I am an epileptic and have been for 20+ years. My seizures have been under control for several years with the help of Depakote. I haven't had any seizures many years. My girlfriend tells me i should not fly, but only articles i see about not flying as an epileptic are if i am a pilot or my seizures are uncontrolled. i have been on a plane for 6 hours with stops without issues. I am wanting to fly 16-20 hours to fly overseas with stops. One doctor that maybe isn't a neurologist says all epileptics should fly with a doctor and only short distances but i disagree. What can you say about this and do you have some documentation? and how many hours are ok in bus and train?

Your girlfriend and this doctor are full of bull. If your seizures are under excellent control, you have no reason whatsoever to be concerned about flying. I have flown many times (with epilepsy and hydrocephalus) and never had any problems. Same for bus and train.



LIZARD

If your seizures are under control, that's just silly. I've flown all over the U.S. and Mexico with no seizures. My son also takes Depakote and he has done the same with no problems.

I too worried about trips and time zones, but my husband's neuro said it was fine, just take meds like you would usually. When we were on the plane, he just took his meds every 4-6 hours like he would normally do. Once we arrived at our destination and got acclimated, he took according to breakfast, lunch and dinner local time. We carried ativan in case we needed it.

My husband has excellent sz. control. He knows when he might have one and takes ativan and sleeps for a good 6-8 hours afterwards.

Go travel, see the world!!!!

PS...the doctor who suggested traveling with a doctor probably tells his patients that to weasle a free trip.

Twofish, don't listen to them. It's kind of like women who have a tilted cervix are told they can't have kids. It's like some old myth people run with sometimes. Sure, there are risks - but there are risks with everything we do.

Before my partner and I moved in together, I flew every 3 weeks from Ohio to California and I did this for FOUR years straight. The worst thing that happened to me was the first flight I got drunk (I was nervous, first time flying) and threw up in my purse of all places. Another time I got a nose bleed. Never had a seizure, I did feel some 'weird' pressure, but I'm sure it was just stress and the pressure changes.

We do not need to travel with a doctor, at best - maybe let someone on the staff know that you do have Epilepsy and if you have any special type of seizures that would require a non-standard approach, fill them in on what to do. It doesn't take a doctor to put you on your side and protect your head.

Go fly!!

I agree with all the others. I have flown many times (and some were through different time zones)and no problem with it. The first flight I took I was about 13 and was by myself and had not one problem. Just sit down and enjoy your trip.



Darlene

Why wouldn't it be ok

Hi Twofish,
I've flown many times and I was on Depakote and there were no problems at all. I never had sz. at all. You might want to take some gum with you and chew it when you take off and land do to the air pressure but take my word there's nothing to worry about. The first time I flew I was 13 yrs. old and all by myself. Take my word you don't need a Dr. Here's wishing you well and May God Bless You!

Sue

I doubt you would have any problems. One thing to be aware of though, on very long flights, cabin air becomes very, very dry and you can get dehydrated very easily if you don't drink lots of water (and avoid caffeine/alcohol). Dehydration can lead to lower levels of oxygen in the blood (and brain) which could potentially lower the seizure threshold.

I have only had problems with flight once. I had been vomitting all morning (something I do occasionally docs aren't sure why) and was tired and dehydrated. I had a seizure while we were descending to land. Flight attendant was great and other than sleeping all the way home I was fine.

I was however asked to get a note from my neuro doc clearing me prior to flying which he did with no problem and airline was very gracious even offered to move my seat so I could be closer to attendants should I or my kids need anything.

Hope you have no prob's.
Cat