Epilepsy Passport
Before
you book your holiday
You should plan on travelling
with a companion unless completely confident that you will
not need any sort of assistance from anyone whilst you are
on holiday, especially if you have any disabilities. It is
not the responsibility of
hotel staff or
resort
representatives to attend to the personal needs of clients.
Consider
the best time of year to travel as excessive heat in some
countries could cause problems. Travelling outside the peak
months can mean slightly cheaper prices, less crowded resorts
and a cooler climate.
Booking
the holiday
Be honest in stating your epilepsy. In order to book
a holiday for yourself, and particularly accommodation which
is suitable, your travel agent, will need information about
any limitations imposed by your epilepsy. This includes not
only details on difficulties concerning seizures, but also
any impairment of mobility or incontinence.
The
necessary arrangements can then be made. Be sure to point
out any special facilities or care you will require upon arrival
at your destination, for example, any special room or transportation
requirements.
Before
you go
Take out adequate medical insurance. Check that medical
facilities are available and that your insurance will cover
the cost, or that you can afford to pay for them yourself.
Medical expenses can be reclaimed in EC Countries by using
an E111 form. Ensure that you have more than enough medication
to last the entire holiday, including a written prescription
for your epilepsy drugs - with dosage amounts clearly stated
- in case of emergency.
Check
with your airline before you travel to see if they require
medical certificates, eg. British Airways need a medical certificate
from your physician while Swissair require a standard medical
certificate.
Travelling
and medication times
Airlines on request remind you of medication times during
your flight. If medication is to be carried, for customs purposes
the items should be in their original container and clearly
marked. Be careful to adjust your medication schedule get
a gradual transfer to new times zones. The usual interval
between taking your medication should be continued. Before
departure establish a pattern of times to take your medication
during the flights, on arrival and during the adjustment period.
If required, consult your physician for advice.
Sleeping
Travelling abroad can often disrupt sleep patterns due
to early departure times or long journeys. Lack of sleep can
often bring on seizures so every effort should be made to
maintain the number of hours that you normally sleep.
Drinking
and eating
In hot climates there is a temptation to drink large
amounts of water or soft drinks to stop dehydration, but you
may find that too much liquid can cause seizures. Try to keep
this in mind during your holidays. Alcohol can interfere with
anti-epilepsy drugs. It produces a brief suppression of seizures
and then a rebound. The more alcohol you drink, the more serious
the rebound.
Low
blood sugar can cause seizures so when travelling try to eat
regularly and if this isn't possible due to flight times,
take a snack with you.
Getting
about
1. If cycling, helmets should be worn and very busy roads
avoided.
2. When walking, you should not be close to the outside edge
of the pavement, try to avoid walking close to water and cross
the road either by subway or marked crossing.
3. If using public transport try to keep away from the edge
of the station platform, stand clear of any doors and avoid
travelling upstairs in a bus.
Accommodation
If the hotel offers balconies for its rooms you should
consider the risk this could involve if you have a seizure,
similarly if you have to climb stairs rather than using a
lift take the appropriate care.
On
arrival at your accommodation check for sharp objects which
could be harmful to you during a seizure. Take the same precautions
relating to bathing abroad as you do at home.
Night
Life
Discos and nightclubs should be avoided if you have photosensitive
epilepsy.
Sport
Sport involving water, eg. swimming or fishing is perfectly
safe as long as you are accompanied by a friend or relative
who can be nearby in case of an emergency. Cycling should
only be considered if you do not have frequent seizures. If
horse riding, head protection should be worn.
Health
There are certain illnesses which will affect your medication
including infections and traveller's diarrhoea, both of which
cause fluctuations in the levels of anti-epileptic drugs in
the bloodstream for different reasons. Seek medical attention
should you suffer from either of these conditions for more
than 24 hours. The use of anti-malarial agents can affect
your medications so check with your physician before taking
them.
Driving
In general the granting of a licence is done after a
period of 2 years being seizure free. Hiring a car abroad
may therefore be subject to restrictions so check with the
hire company or tour operator for details.
Insurance
When taking out holiday insurance check the small print
as companies may not insure you if you have epilepsy, because
it could be said that there is more risk of an accident occurring.
Check under the pre-existing medical condition clause, which
many companies have now removed, to see if you are covered.
Enquire at your national epilepsy organisation about insurance
companies which do not discriminate against people with epilepsy.
You may have to pay a somewhat increased premium.
Excerpt
from The Epilepsy Passport - MMD
Revised April 2002
This
information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South
Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed
to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended,
nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice.
Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments
should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified
professional.
