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Travel
People with epilepsy
can travel including overseas and should be
encouraged to do so. Travelling enhances independence
and self reliance. Like all travelers Like all
travellers, planning is important.
Aside from the preparation
for medications and possible seizures, it is
good practise to follow some general travel
guidelines such as:
Have copies of your
documents with you as well as with someone at
home. These should include copies of passport,
credit cards, emergency contact numbers of next
of kin and numbers to call if you lose any documents
of importance.
Give friends or family
a copy of your itinerary and make regular contact
with at least one person.
Make or update your Will
Preparing for
your trip
Well before the departure date visit the doctor
and discuss vaccinations needed and what effect
these may have on seizure control and medication.
- Find out possible
health care standards that you can expect
at your destination.
- Investigate travel
insurance. Most travel insurance companies
regard epilepsy as a pre-existing condition
and will charge a higher premium for insurance.
Shop around or ask the travel agent for assistance.
- Consider getting a
medical ID bracelet that gives details of
seizure type and current treatment. Some identification
is always advisable particularly when carrying
medications.
- Obtain a letter from
the Doctor stating your details, type of seizures,
medications prescribed and if the doctor can
be contacted if needed. The letter can be
presented to customs or a treating doctor
if required.
- It is important that
the medication be carried in the container
in which they were dispensed that showing
your name, the medication name and dose prescribed.
- Take ample supply
of medications.
- Keep a supply of medications
in different places, eg. baggage and carry
on luggage, so that if you loose one there
is a supply somewhere else.
- Check the medication
is available in the countries to be visited.
It may have a different name or may be slightly
different, but the pharmaceutical company
can to inform you of these details.
- As tiredness is a
common trigger for seizures avoid fatigue
and jet lag by allowing adequate rest time
during and immediately after the trip. If
the flight is lengthy a stopover should be
considered.
- If seizures are likely
to occur during the trip take a travelling
companion who is familiar with seizures or
join an organised tour that has a trip leader
who can assist if seizures occur and medical
treatment is needed.
- If you drive in Australia
and wish to drive in another country, check
their guidelines on driving and epilepsy as
these vary from country to country. Having
a licence does not automatically mean you
can drive in another country.
- Ask the airline what
they do in case of a seizure in flight so
you will know what to expect.
During the flight
When travelling, space the medication doses
over a 24 hour period if changing time zones.
For example if medications are normally taken
morning and night then work out or discuss with
the doctor a timing regime.
- Avoid alcohol and
other drugs.
- Avoid dehydration
by drinking adequate amounts of water during
the flight.
When in another
country
Check that drinking water is safe, even brushing
your teeth in contaminated water can cause gastric
upset. Vomiting & diarrhoea will cause reduce
the absorption of the medication and cause seizures.
For further information...
The
Traveller with Epilepsy
Travelling
with Prescription Drugs - Travel Doctor
SmartTraveller.gov.au
If you are travelling
or migrating to Australia, these sites may be
of help:
Community.gov.au
- Immigration
Department
of Immigration - Health requirements
Have a safe trip and
enjoy your travels!
1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45
37)
Australia-Wide Priority Call
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Understand Epilepsy
