OVERVIEW
EPILEPSY
Having epilepsy does not usually prevent people from traveling by air.
While epilepsy may require additional precautions and planning, it should not stop you from having new adventures locally or abroad. With proper preparation you can have a stress-free travel experience.
Before you go, the Epilepsy Society advise that you check with the airline company you’ll be traveling with about access to medical services. Most cabin crew are trained in advanced first aid which includes how to cope if a passenger experiences a seizure on board.
Consider the primary triggers for your child's seizures are. Are they triggered by tiredness, dehydration, excitement, fever, anxiety or a build up of multiple factors. It is important to put a plan in place to reduce these potential triggers as much as possible.
ANTI MALARIA MEDICINE AND EPILEPSY
While most vaccines are safe for people with epilepsy, some anti-malaria medicines should be avoided.
Public Health England has published the following advice on anti-malaria medicine for people with epilepsy:
- Chloroquine: unsuitable for people with epilepsy
- Mefloquine: unsuitable for people with epilepsy
- Atovaquone/proguanil: can be used by people with epilepsy
- Doxycycline: Can be used, but the way this medicine works may be affected by phenytoin, carbamazepine and barbiturates. If you take one of these medicines your doctor might recommend a different anti-malaria medicine, or they might increase the dose of doxycycline.
You can find more information about travel vaccinations and anti–malaria medicine on the NHS website.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Extract from the Epilepsy Action website
TRAVEL ADVICE FOR MANAGING YOUR EPILEPSY DURING TRAVEL
1. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage
Carry your medicine in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription (and your letter from the doctor if you have one). Keep the medicine in its original packaging. It’s also a good idea to pack a spare supply in your hold luggage, along with another copy of your prescription, in case you lose your hand luggage.
At the time of writing, UK airport hand luggage restrictions allow you to carry essential medicine in your hand luggage, including liquid medicine. You will need to show airport staff evidence that the medicine has been prescribed for you, such as a copy of your prescription.
2. Keep your medicine cool if needed
Some epilepsy medicines need to be kept in a cool dry place. You could use a thermos flask, an insulated pouch or cool bag with an ice pack. Your pharmacist can also give you advice about storing your medicine while you are travelling and while you are away.
3. Consider wearing identity jewellery or carrying an epilepsy ID card
Wearing identity jewellery or carrying an epilepsy ID card will let people know what is happening if you have a seizure while you are away. Epilepsy Action has details of companies that supply identity jewellery. You can order an epilepsy ID card free of charge by contacting Epilepsy Action.
4. If you often have seizures and are travelling by plane, consider telling the airline about your epilepsy
If you think you might have a seizure on the plane, it can be helpful to tell the airline about your epilepsy. That way, they will know what is happening if you have a seizure, and will be able to help you. Each airline will have different ways to get in touch in advance, or you may prefer to mention it to the cabin staff when you board the plane.
5. Tell airport security staff if you have a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device
Airport security scanners and metal detectors should not cause problems with your VNS. However, the makers of VNS say that to be safe, you should walk through airport scanners at a steady pace, not linger in the area and try to stay at least 40 centimetres away from the equipment. If this is not possible, you could tell the security staff about your VNS and ask for a pat down check instead. Airport staff should avoid using a handheld metal detector directly over your VNS.
6. Set a reminder to take your epilepsy medicines at your usual time
If you forget to take your epilepsy medicine, this could make you more likely to have a seizure
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS MORE EPILEPSY MEDICATION WHEN WE ARE ABROAD
If you run out of your prescription medicine while you’re away, contact your travel insurance company. They may be able to help get your prescription replaced. If they cannot help, speak to a pharmacist in the country you’re visiting.
You may need to pay for a prescription from a local doctor. If you have a GHIC care (apply here) or EHIC card and are in one of the countries where it is valid, you should pay the same as people who live there. Make sure your prescription is from a state-approved doctor.
Travel Health Pro have more information on medicines and traveling.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The Epilepsy Society has a confidential helpline. It offers parents and carers emotional support, information, and time to talk through your feelings.
A very helpful guide to travelling from the charity Young Epilepsy - Travelling with a Child with Epilepsy (pdf)
Some great information from the Epilepsy Society in their Travel and Holidays Factsheet (pdf)
General Information on Epilepsy and Autism from the National Autistic Society
From Epilepsy Action - a simple epilepsy identity card with space for emergency contact.