A stroke is a medical emergency that is often life-changing. Though there are varying degrees of severity, this health event is significant and there will be adjustments in the days and months after it takes place. If you are considering heading on vacation, visiting family, or jetting off on a work trip, there are a few things to think about before getting on an airplane. Here’s what you need to know about the complex nature of flying after a stroke.
What Are Strokes?
When a part of the brain is cut off from an oxygen supply, a medical emergency known as a stroke occurs. It can severely impact how the affected part of the brain functions which could be anything from speech to mobility. Strokes are typically caused by blood clots but can also happen as a result of bleeding in the brain area. Risk factors include high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. So, can you fly after a stroke? Let’s find out more below.
Mini Strokes
Mini strokes are an indicator that the person having one is vulnerable to a major stroke incident. They are also called TIAs and don’t tend to interfere with brain function in the same way as the alternative. They have the same symptoms as a stroke but last for a shorter time. It is still important to seek medical attention if you have dizziness, slurred speech, or loss of feeling in one side of the body.
Is It Safe to Fly After a Stroke?
Lots of people do go back to regular flying habits after they have survived and recovered from a stroke. The advice around flying will be personal to your health situation, and the first place to find answers is from your lead care team. Airlines also carry strict policies about who can fly and post-stroke waiting periods so that they are not carrying the risk of a passenger dying or becoming seriously ill mid-flight. Check with your airline before you book the flight, but it is typical to wait at least two weeks after this kind of incident before being able to safely fly.
The Primary Risk Factors
The waiting period is necessary for mitigating all of the risks discussed below. The fact is that this kind of medical event is not something that should ever be taken lightly. It can be fatal and there are a lot of complications post-stroke that may impact the ability to travel safely.
Oxygen Levels
The primary risk associated with flying is the low pressure in the cabins. Remember, a stroke is caused by a lack of oxygen to certain parts of the brain. With this in mind, a plane environment where the oxygen supply is less than sufficient is not ideal for people recovering from a stroke. There are a few ways to tell how your body would respond to this change in atmosphere. You can do simple fitness tests to trial how you might cope with the decreased oxygen during a flight, for instance, going for a walk and taking notes when you start to feel breathless. As ever, this should be discussed with your doctor before booking any travel just in case.
Sitting Still
Sitting still for a long flight (two hours plus) increases the risk of a blood clot in the leg, also known as deep vein thrombosis. This is also a life-threatening incident, and anyone who has suffered from a stroke is more at risk.
Tips for a Safe Flight Post-Stroke
If you have been given the all-clear from your care provider, then follow the advice below to increase your safety during travel.
Concentrate on Reducing Travel Stress
Stressful lifestyles increase cortisol production in the body, which is directly linked to strokes. So, wherever possible, it is better to concentrate on reducing travel stress. Arrive with plenty of time to check in and relax before the flight, and make sure all of the documents are easily accessible too.
Get Plenty of Rest
Before you head out, take the time to create a meaningful rest period. A body that is well-rested is better placed to handle anything that might come its way, and it supports general health as well.
Splash Out on Premium Seating
Premium seating means you get extra legroom which will make it not just more comfortable, but also easier to move around and avoid DVT from occurring.
Sort Out Administration Beforehand
You may need a doctor’s note with you for the airline to verify if things like medication are necessary during the flight. This should be easy enough to source, but it needs to be taken care of at least three weeks in advance to account for the waiting period between making a request and receiving a letter. This is a great time to talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and listen to their advice about how best to travel.
Travel Insurance
Insurance policies taken out for travel purposes need to be notified of any condition like a past stroke. This will impact your cover and is not a job to avoid.
So, there are more than a few things to think about. If you have suffered from a stroke or a mini-stroke, the most important thing you can do before a flight is to consult your doctor. After this, it is all about ensuring you have maximum comfort levels and plenty of time to travel with minimal stress. Watch out for any warning signs that your physical health is about to take a turn for the worse and remember that lots of people manage to fly frequently post-stroke, so you can do it too.
