Planning Vacations

Taking a trip can be a great experience or an accident waiting to happen.  This is true for everyone planning a vacation, but most especially true for the family with a special needs child or adult.  It all depends on the preparation!

1. Traveling by plane? Do not pack medication in a suitcase.  They can be lost!
2. Make sure you are carrying enough medication to last the whole trip.  Remember, even if you can reach your doctor on the phone, he/she will not be able to prescribe across state lines or outside of US borders.
3. Know your seizure triggers?  Make a conscientious effort to avoid them when possible.
4. Traveling through time zones?  Make sure that you keep one watch on your local time so that you will continue taking your medication(s) on schedule.
5. Traveling alone?  Make sure you are wearing a medic alert necklace or bracelet and are carrying information about your medications, seizure type(s) and doctor contact information.
6. Traveling with a companion?  Make sure that he or she knows first aid for seizures.
7. Have a Vagus Nerve Stimulator?  Carry their registration card.
8. Rest!  Having fun is most important, but keeping a regular body clock may help to avoid a breakthrough seizure.