Flying a few months after concussion?
 

Present state

I had a concussion mid november. Am a fair bit better now and seem to be progressively improving. Main remaining symptoms are:

* certain multitasking is very hard. Eg reading phone while talking to someone
* motion, such as turning or braking in a car, especially if I'm caught unawares

This motion is easier in a train or bus as it's less sudden and I can also stand to brace against shocks.

Other than that, no big issues. Can read, work, exercise, etc. Sometimes have a mild headache if I haven't had enough sleep, which I didn't have previously, though this is decreasing. Had a cold recently and seemed worse in sinuses, though I did have ones this bad as a kid.

But before I get to flights, I did have one big car related setback a month ago. A friend braked and I wasn't expect it. I went forwards in my seat. Hit nothing, but the forward motion caused renewed symptoms. I'd say it set me back 3-4 weeks. I decided to avoid cars after that: my doctor said they could be an issue for up to six months, based on what I said. Fortunately I live in a pedestrian city so this hasn't been an issue.

Flying?

So, I had a trip planned in a month. I haven't flown since the concussion. Given my current symptoms, is it possible/plausible that flying will cause a sudden regression the way the car incident did?

I already talked to my doctor about this of course, and she said she couldn't be sure. So I'm interested in hearing the experiences of others. Did you fly and have no issue or only minor issues? Or did you fly and have a sudden worsening if symptoms that persisted?

I'm wondering if I should avoid planes for a few months too in order to be on the safe side. I had felt great before the car thing, mostly recovered.

I'd say you should be just fine if you plan ahead as in arriving early, give yourself a few minutes of time with your eyes closed or however you take cognitive breaks after checking in.

My guess is if you can work and exercise flying won't destroy you.

Bud

You may want to be careful, I use a wheel chair and help....Getting there is never bad, but getting off plan for me is a must!.....My equilibrium is very bad for hours after I land......Thats my experience even now 12 plus years later.

I think you should be okay flying but give yourself plenty of time to get through airport and bank in some time when you arrive to rest - don’t count on feeling up to doing things right away after!

I have had post-concussion syndrome for almost 6 months now, and I flew for the first time a few weeks ago. I was mostly nervous about the change in pressure messing with my vestibular system, as I have some inner ear damage. I’d recommend getting a pair of EarPlanes before you go - they are ear plugs that have a filter to regulate your ear pressure. I used them one way on the flight and didn’t use them the other way, and I wearing them definitely reduced symptoms of earaches, dizziness, and headaches from pressure equilibrium change.

Best of luck!!