Travel

It is good practice to follow some general travel guidelines such as:

Well before the departure date visit the doctor and discuss if vaccinations are needed and what effect these may have on seizure control and medication.
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.
Find out possible health care standards that you can expect at your destination.
Consider getting a medical ID bracelet that gives details of seizure type and current treatment. Some identification is always advisable particularly when carrying medications.
As tiredness can be a common trigger for seizures, avoid fatigue and jet lag by allowing enough rest time during and after the trip. If your flight is lengthy, think about a stopover somewhere for a day or two.
If seizures are likely to happen during the trip take a travelling companion who is familiar or join an organised tour that has a trip leader who can assist if seizures occur and medical treatment is needed.

Make copies of your documents to keep with you as well as a copy 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 get robbed or lose any documents of importance.
Carry copies of these documents separate from the originals, and leave an extra copy at home. Keep them in a waterproof bag or plastic.
Give friends or family a copy of your itinerary and make regular contact with at least one person.
Make or update your Will.
Obtain a letter from you doctor stating your seizure types and medication details. This may need to be shown in some countries when going through customs, or if you lose medications or become unwell.

Take more medications than you need for the holiday to allow for loss or damage.
It is important that the medications be carried in the container in which they were dispensed that showing your name, the medication name and dose prescribed.
Keep a supply of medications in different places, such as baggage and carry-on luggage, so that if you lose one there is a supply somewhere else.
Check the medication is available in the countries you are visiting. It may have a different name or may be slightly different, but the pharmaceutical company can to inform you of these details.

If you are changing time zones, space medication doses over a 24 hour period so take your medications every 12 hours. If medications are normally taken at other times, discuss when to take them with your doctor.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs that may trigger seizures.
Try to maintain regular sleep patterns to avoid tiredness and possible seizures. A stopover is always a good idea on long haul flights.
Avoid dehydration by drinking enough water during the flight.

If you have a driving license 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.
Check that drinking water is safe, even brushing your teeth in contaminated water can cause gastric upset. Vomiting and diarrhoea will lessen the absorption of your medication which can cause seizures.

Have a safe trip and enjoy your travels!

Smart Traveller is a useful planning resource

The Travel Doctor for information on vaccinations and travelling with medications

CHOICE article about travel insurance and pre-existing conditions.

More information about travelling with disabilities and how this may impact on travel insurance can be found on the Compare Travel Insurance website. Plus Travel Insurance That Covers Epilepsy | finder.com.au