foxyproxy,

You will not get a concussion from turbulence flying in a plane unless you were flung out of your seat into a hard object. The G forces to cause a concussion would tear the wings off the plane. But, if turbulence causes anxiety, your symptoms may come charging back.

So, a xanax before the flight may be worthwhile. An occasional xanax is not addictive. High dose xanax for a continuous period can be. There are other anti-anxiety meds you can try. But, it you need a maintenance med for anxiety, an SSRI or SNRI or such may be better.

If there is a late night flight or early morning flight, they are much less prone to turbulence. Try to fly during the dark.

I'm concerned that you may have trained your brain to react to any bump like it is a concussion. If you have an inner ear disorder, the head turning can cause symptoms that trigger your anxiety and and trigger your memorized concussion-like symptoms.

A neuro-rehab specialist I know says this memorized symptom phenomenon can be very convincing.

I can easily fly, even in turbulence. My problem flying is visual claustrophobia. I need a bulkhead seat so I do not have a seat back 8 inches from my face. My problem is basically a visual over-stimulation issue. I only have a problem with prolonged vibration and jerking, more that a minute or two of continuous serious vibration and jerking. So, I stay off shaky wooden roller coasters and avoid long drives on potholed roads. If I tilt my shoulders forward, I can increase my tolerance by reducing the movement to my head.

You would be shocked to hear how often I bump my head. I smacked my forehead and face into a solid tree branch on Tuesday. Ouch. Bruised my eye brow and smashed my glasses. But, I just go on. I don't worry about the outcome. If I get a metallic taste in my mouth or a moment of dazed feeling or vision disturbance, I will take it easy for a while. If I do not have any of those symptoms, I just go on.

But, I think you need to get home. Isolation is not good. I think a late night flight would be fine but, you can take Amtrak from Flagstaff to Seattle. The Coast Starlight is supposed to be a nice train ride. The rails are smooth so no clackety clack to worry about. There are buses to Flagstaff.