When Traveling: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

The Situation: While in flight, you have a seizure and appear to be disoriented and confused.  The flight attendant discovers that you are traveling alone and believes that you are under the influence.  Several flight attendants now try to restrain you.

The Discussion: What might have saved the day in a situation like this one would simply to have been wearing a medic alert bracelet or necklace that was openly visible should you have a seizure.  And, of course, if you would be willing to disclose, a private discussion with one of the flight attendants alerting them to the possibility that you might have a seizure, what one would look like, and what kind of first aid they could provide could prevent a problem.

The Plan: No matter which mode of transportation you will be relying on, if you have active seizures, it is always best not to travel alone.  Sometimes, that just can’t be avoided, so putting a plan in place for every kind of trip is advisable.  This plan should include:
• Wearing a medical identification bracelet/necklace that includes a description of your seizure(s)
• Carrying a list of all your current medications (and enough to last you from start to end of your trip)
• Carrying emergency contact information (either on an index card or programmed into your cell phone and listed under contacts as ICE (In Case of Emergency).
• Disclosing seizure history to transportation personnel with a letter from your doctor
• Carrying a VNS registration card if you have the implant

Resources:
• Air Travel Guidelines: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/living/wellness/transportation/airtravel.cfm
• Epilepsy Foundation Transportation Guide: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/travel.cfm