Need Travel Advice - Airlines

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ddr1166

ddr1166

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Hello - my husband has has three seizures to-date, beginning Jan 1, 2010. First was grand-mal (he's 45 yrs. old), second two have been less strong, as we're working with the doc on his Keppra dosage.

Questions about traveling:

1) the last seizure he had was in the car (I was driving of course) - any advice on how to handle that? It's about 100 degrees here in the summer, but at one point, I was afraid he'd start grabbing the gear shift and throw the car into drive--right through the front door of the bank -- or rip off the rear view mirror. I was able to control him enough, and reclined the seat and it passed. Ideas?

2) We love to travel - is there anything special we need to do with the airlines? Do I need to tell the flight attendants? Has anyone experienced (or been with a spouse who had) a seizure at the airport or in the air?

Thanks much, D in Texas
 
Hi ddr1166 --

You're not required to tell the airlines about your husband's seizure disorder, but you could bring it up with the airline officials if you're worried about how they may react if he has a seizure while on the plane. I've never mentioned my seizure disorder when I travel.
 
Thank you for the information and threads. I appreciate it very much.
 
Ok, thanks. I don't want to be an overprotective spouse, but don't want to be in denial of the facts, either. Especially until we get the meds figured out. Thanks.
 
Hi, D,

I went on an 18-hour flight overseas. I had several seizures, but they were simple partials, so no one other than me knew I was having them. Actually, it was before my diagnosis. So I knew something was wrong, I just didn't know what. In the end everything was okay. Would I do it again now that I know I have epilepsy? You bet. In a heartbeat.

The Epilepsy Foundation has some suggestions on flying with epilepsy: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/living/wellness/transportation/airtravel.cfm

Good luck. You'll both have a GREAT time!
 
Are there time zone changes? It's possible that it's easy to take meds off a regular schedule when adjustments in the 'current' time occur. Does he wear a watch with an alarm reminding him to take meds 'on time' regardless of the time zone?
With extreme heat, is he riding in air conditioning in the car? It's possible dehydration and low sugar levels can trigger seizures.
 
I just returned this morning from my first vacation where I flew on a plane since my E diagnosis over 2 years ago. I have simple and complex partials and I am on Keppra. I have had my meds adjusted several times, I take 1250mg twice a day now. I had my last simple in March and last complex in Oct. My history has been I can go 4-6 months without seizures and then get one just out of the blue. I was anxious about flying, but had no problem. I took my ipod with my favorite music and it kept my calm. Two of the friends I was with were nurses and I had told them about my seizures. I had no problems, we stayed so busy that I actually slept better and longer while I was there.
Hey, I am in Rowlett!
jenn
 
Hi, Jenn! Thanks so much for the info - I'm in East Dallas. It is really encouraging to know you had a great time. Thanks - let's talk more soon. - D
 
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