Can You Fly With A Mild Concussion? Yes, generally, it’s safe to fly with a mild concussion, but air travel’s visual, auditory stimulation, and time-sensitive decisions can worsen symptoms. At flyermedia.net, we understand the challenges of air travel after a head injury, and we’re here to guide you. By understanding the potential impact on concussion symptoms and taking proactive steps, you can minimize discomfort and ensure a smoother journey with air travel after TBI, aviation safety and air travel tips.
1. Understanding Concussions and Air Travel
1.1 What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change how your brain normally works. Concussions can occur from falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussions affect millions of Americans each year. The impact can lead to a variety of symptoms, which we’ll explore below.
1.2 How Air Travel Affects the Body
Air travel presents unique challenges to the human body. Changes in cabin pressure, altitude, and air quality can impact various physiological systems. The reduced oxygen levels in the cabin, combined with the stress of travel, can exacerbate existing health conditions. For someone recovering from a concussion, these factors can intensify symptoms and prolong recovery.
1.3 Key Considerations Before Flying
Before deciding whether to fly with a concussion, consider the following:
- Severity of the Concussion: Was it a mild or more severe injury?
- Recency of the Injury: How recently did the concussion occur?
- Pre-existing Conditions: Do you have any pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by flying?
- Symptoms: Are you experiencing severe symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or severe headaches?
2. Safety of Flying After a Concussion
2.1 General Guidelines
In general, it is safe to fly after a concussion. However, air travel involves extreme visual and auditory stimulation, time-sensitive decision-making, and stress that can be difficult to manage. The effects of the concussion make it even harder to function normally and make decisions, making airports unpleasant at best.
You should also consider your injury. Was your concussion very recent? Did you suffer a traumatic brain injury? Are you suffering from post-concussion syndrome? Your answers to these questions will influence how advisable it is for you to fly and what precautions you should take if you do.
2.2 Recent Concussion
If you’ve recently suffered a concussion, it’s essential to consider the timing of your flight. Flying immediately after a concussion may not directly affect recovery time, but it can worsen symptoms.
2.2.1 What Do the Studies Show?
There aren’t many studies about the effects of flying after a concussion. One small study of collegiate athletes and military cadets who flew within hours after an injury found that neither the severity of their symptoms nor the recovery time was affected by the flight when compared to those who did not fly immediately after a concussion.
On the other hand, a study of NHL players who flew within 6 hours after a game in which they sustained a concussion had a slightly longer recovery time. Those players missed an average of one-third more games after injury than those who did not fly immediately after injury. The authors of the study speculated that this could be due to decreased oxygen in flight and lack of brain rest after the injury.
2.2.2 Brain Rest and Sleep
A man resting on the plane with an eye mask covering his eyes.
Getting a proper amount of quality sleep is very important to concussion recovery. During restorative sleep, the brain flushes out toxins that build up during the day. One study showed that better sleep quality was tied to better brain function after brain injury.
2.2.3 Delayed Onset of Symptoms
If you feel fine after a recent concussion, it’s possible you’ll experience delayed onset of symptoms. This isn’t necessarily because of the flight (though it could be); it’s just that sometimes, it takes a few days or even weeks after a concussion before the brain starts struggling and symptoms appear.
Alternatively, it could be that your symptoms are minimal, but the exhausting and stressful conditions of flight travel push your brain too far, causing symptoms to emerge. While it’s rare for symptoms to suddenly appear during a flight, it is possible.
2.3 Post-Concussion Syndrome
If your mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) happened more than a few weeks ago and you’re still experiencing symptoms from it, you could be suffering from post-concussion syndrome.
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition in which, after a concussion, the brain doesn’t return to its normal, efficient, pre-concussion way of functioning. Instead, it sticks with the inefficient paths it resorted to while dealing with the effects of the concussion. This leads to persistent concussion symptoms that you might experience daily or when some stressor aggravates them.
It is safe to fly with post-concussion syndrome, but it will probably make your symptoms worse temporarily. We encourage our patients not to let fear overcome their desire to fly for whatever reason, whether it be to get to treatment or for some other important event in their lives. We caution them that the longer they live with their symptoms, the more accustomed they become to them. That only makes it harder to overcome them in the future. It’s better to endure the short-term consequences to go wherever they need to go for treatment, or at least to take measures to minimize the severity and duration of symptoms.
2.4 When Flying is Not Recommended
There are times when flying is not advisable (or at least, not without the consent of your physician). If you just had a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), you might not want to fly immediately afterwards. For example, if your injury involved a skull fracture or significant bleeding, you definitely need to follow your doctor’s advice on the topic.
Another common-sense recommendation is not to fly when you’re sick. This is true whether you have a concussion or not. If you have a fever or the flu, it’s not good for you or your fellow passengers if you choose to fly.
2.5 Consulting with a Healthcare Professional
Always consult with your doctor before flying after a concussion. They can assess your specific condition, evaluate potential risks, and provide personalized recommendations.
3. Understanding Potential Risks
3.1 Impact on Concussion Symptoms
Flying can exacerbate several common concussion symptoms, making the journey uncomfortable and potentially prolonging recovery.
3.1.1 Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common concussion symptoms. They can be made worse by the overstimulation that results from being in an airport and on a flight. There’s the noise of so many people talking at once plus the constant announcements in the airport and on the flight. Fluorescent lighting in the airport and light changes during the flight can also contribute to worsening headaches.
3.1.2 Anxiety
Anxiety and panic attacks can result from the same issues that cause headaches: overstimulation, noise, movement, and lighting. For many people, flying is very stressful in and of itself. If increased anxiety is one of your concussion symptoms, the stress of flying is probably going to exacerbate it.
3.1.3 Pain and Tension
Persistent neck and shoulder pain are another common concussion symptom. This pain might be paired with a headache.
3.1.4 Extreme Fatigue
Overstimulation can also bring on extreme fatigue as your concussed brain struggles to cope with so many extra demands. In addition, inadequate sleep duration and quality before and after a flight — a common issue for anyone — can induce fatigue, especially if your flight involves changing time zones.
3.1.5 Nausea and Vertigo
Nausea and vertigo after a concussion are commonly caused by vestibular system dysfunction. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear; it helps your brain process balance and spatial awareness. Getting through an airport often involves navigating large, moving crowds of people. For some patients, trying to walk as the crowds seem to sway around them sets off vertigo and a headache. Going up and down escalators affect others. Altitude changes and turbulence during flight can also be a problem if your vestibular system is malfunctioning. If you have to use the restroom during flight, your brain might send conflicting messages during the unstable walk there and back that lead to nausea and vertigo.
3.1.6 Feeling Overwhelmed
A brain dealing with the effects of a concussion can get tired quickly, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed. It becomes really hard, or even almost impossible, to make decisions. Things like getting through security, making your way to the gate, and dealing with flight delays and changes might suddenly become very challenging tasks.
3.2 Cabin Pressure Changes
Changes in cabin pressure can affect cerebral blood flow, potentially worsening headaches and dizziness.
3.3 Environmental Factors
Exposure to bright lights, loud noises, and crowded environments in airports and airplanes can overstimulate the brain, exacerbating concussion symptoms.
4. Preparing for Your Flight
4.1 Pre-Flight Preparations
Planning ahead is crucial if you want to minimize your concussion symptoms when traveling, especially by air. The more decisions you make ahead of time, the easier the execution of the plan will be.
4.1.1 Travel Companion
If possible, enlist a travel companion to accompany you on the trip. This person can keep you on track and help if you start feeling overwhelmed.
4.1.2 Airport and Airline Assistance
If no one can come with you on your trip, look at the resources offered by airports and airlines for people traveling with disabilities. You can arrange for someone to meet you at the curb or baggage check area to help with your baggage, accompany you through security, and bring you to your gate. You might also be allowed to board early, which will reduce stress and confusion. You generally need to note this on your flight reservation, but you can always call the airport ahead of time and ask about what services they provide.
4.1.3 Seat Selection
Purchase a seat in Business Class or First Class if you can afford it. These seats are more comfortable, there’s more space, and it’s quieter.
4.1.4 Lists and Schedules
Make a list of all the things you need to take with you. Check them off as you pack. Make a list of the things you need to do when you arrive and during your stay. A daily schedule will reduce your stress.
4.1.5 Food Planning
If possible, plan ahead for food. When, where, and what are you going to eat? One of our patients, Olivia Seitz, stayed in an Airbnb apartment with a kitchen during treatment. She made a menu plan and shopping list for the entirety of her stay. Her husband took care of the shopping and cooking. This ensured she had healthy food to eat and could focus on treatment and rest during her time in Utah.
4.1.6 Transportation
Transportation is another issue. In the U.S., many people choose to rent a car. We encourage you to carefully consider other options, unless you have someone who can drive for you. Driving in a new location can be stressful for anyone. You aren’t familiar with the location or the vehicle. There could be construction or confusing highways and streets. If your concussion symptoms ramp up, driving in a new place can quickly become dangerous.
4.1.7 Rest Time
Schedule some time to rest after you arrive so you can recover from any fatigue or symptoms that flare up before you move on to the reason for your travel.
4.2 If You’re Changing Time Zones
If your flight involves changing time zones, you also need to plan for the effects of jet lag on your sleep and on your medication schedule (if you take medication).
4.2.1 Sleep
We advise our patients to adjust their sleep schedules gradually ahead of flights so they are more acclimated to our time zone by the time they arrive for treatment. You can change the time you go to sleep and wake up by 30 minute increments before your trip to make the transition easier.
If you’re thinking of taking any sleep medications during your trip, be sure to ask your doctor before you go if it’s OK to do so. Sleep might be difficult if you have jet lag, but remember: That’s normal. You should still prepare for it though. SleepFoundation.org has additional recommendations you might want to check out before your trip to make it easier.
4.2.2 Medication
A photo of a pill organizer box
If you take medication, plan ahead for that too. Are there medications you always take at a certain time of day, such as at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.? If so, you might need to gradually adjust that time to avoid having a big change in dosage time. Are there medications you need to take at the same time no matter what time zone you’re in? (Ask your doctor.) In that case, you might need to set an alarm to be sure you don’t sleep through a dose or forget to take it as you become adjusted to the new time zone. To avoid confusion about whether you remembered to take your medicine, it’s a good idea to use a pill organizer box while you travel. Finally, be aware of any medications that cause side effects such as drowsiness or alertness, because they could interfere with your sleep schedule at your destination.
4.3 Essential Items to Pack
- Medications: Bring all necessary medications, along with a copy of your prescription.
- Comfort Items: Include items that provide comfort, such as a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones.
- Hydration and Snacks: Pack healthy snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
5. Managing Symptoms During the Flight
5.1 Strategies for Symptom Management
Our suggestions for how to minimize concussion symptoms during the flight are sensible for any traveler; however, they’re especially important for those flying after a concussion or with concussion symptoms:
- Proper hydration and nutrition are important. This is not the time for a bag of chips and a soda! Drink lots of water and pack healthy snacks for the flight.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during the flight.
- If you suffer from noise sensitivity, use high quality earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. If you want to listen to something, try calming nature sounds or Brainwaves (something our patients listen to during and after treatment).
- If you suffer from light sensitivity, wear sunglasses or an eye mask during the flight.
- If you start feeling anxious, be aware of your breathing. Are you breathing from your chest (not good) or your diaphragm (good)? Try to meditate, and work at staying calm.
- Do things to avoid getting sick, such as washing your hands often. Wear a mask if necessary.
- Anticipate events that might cause your symptoms to flare, such as walking through the aisle of the airplane to the bathroom and having to navigate that confined space.
- If you don’t need to, don’t rush to get off the plane, especially if no one is traveling with you to help. If you’ve asked for airline assistance, someone will be waiting for you at the door of the airplane.
5.2 Staying Hydrated
Dehydration can worsen headaches and fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight to stay hydrated.
5.3 Managing Noise and Light Sensitivity
Use noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses to minimize exposure to loud noises and bright lights.
5.4 Relaxation Techniques
Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to manage anxiety and promote relaxation.
6. Post-Flight Recovery
6.1 At Your Destination
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s time to rely on the planning you did ahead of time. Take some time to rest and stabilize before you move on to the main event. Eat a healthy diet and try to get enough sleep. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And finally, be patient with yourself: Travel puts a lot of stress on your brain.
6.2 Allowing Time for Rest
Schedule time for rest and recovery after your flight. Avoid overexertion and give your brain time to adjust.
6.3 Monitoring Symptoms
Pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or do not improve.
6.4 Nutrition and Hydration
Continue to prioritize healthy eating and hydration to support recovery.
7. Real-Life Scenarios
7.1 Athletes Traveling for Competition
Athletes who sustain a concussion while traveling for competition should consult with medical staff before flying. Proper rest and medical evaluation are crucial to ensure safe travel and recovery.
7.2 Business Travelers
Business travelers should consider rescheduling or postponing flights if they experience a concussion. If travel is unavoidable, they should follow the guidelines outlined in this article to minimize symptoms.
7.3 Vacationers
Vacationers should prioritize rest and recovery after a concussion. Avoid activities that could worsen symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.
8. Resources and Support
8.1 flyermedia.net Resources
At flyermedia.net, we offer a wealth of information on aviation safety, air travel tips, and concussion recovery. Explore our website for articles, guides, and resources to support your journey. Whether you’re looking for information on flight schools, aviation news, or career opportunities in the aviation industry, flyermedia.net is your go-to source. Our team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions about your health and travel plans.
8.2 External Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides information on concussion prevention and recovery.
- Brain Injury Association of America: Offers support and resources for individuals with brain injuries and their families.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Conducts research on brain injuries and provides information on treatment options.
9. FAQs About Flying with a Mild Concussion
9.1 Is it safe to fly immediately after a concussion?
Generally, it’s safe, but symptoms might worsen temporarily.
9.2 Can flying worsen concussion symptoms?
Yes, changes in cabin pressure and environmental factors can exacerbate symptoms.
9.3 What precautions should I take before flying with a concussion?
Consult with your doctor, plan your trip carefully, and pack essential items.
9.4 How can I manage symptoms during the flight?
Stay hydrated, use noise-canceling headphones, and practice relaxation techniques.
9.5 What should I do after the flight to recover?
Allow time for rest, monitor your symptoms, and prioritize nutrition and hydration.
9.6 Can children fly with a concussion?
Consult with a pediatrician before flying with a child who has a concussion.
9.7 Are there any specific airlines that cater to passengers with medical conditions?
Many airlines offer assistance to passengers with medical conditions. Contact the airline in advance to arrange for support.
9.8 Should I inform the airline about my concussion?
It’s a good idea to inform the airline, especially if you require assistance or accommodations.
9.9 Can I take medication for concussion symptoms before flying?
Consult with your doctor before taking any medication for concussion symptoms.
9.10 What are the long-term effects of flying with a concussion?
With proper preparation and management, there should be no long-term effects.
10. Conclusion: Navigating Air Travel with a Concussion
Flying with a mild concussion requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps, you can minimize symptoms and ensure a smoother journey. Remember to consult with your doctor, prioritize rest, and utilize available resources to support your recovery.
Concussions and flying safely can go together, but it’s important to be both realistic and prepared. Flying is stressful and tiring for anyone; flying with concussion symptoms is going to be even more so. However, if you plan and prepare, you can reduce symptom severity. Don’t let your concussion keep you from the travel you want to do.
At flyermedia.net, we’re committed to providing you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your health and travel plans. Whether you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or frequent traveler, we’re here to support your journey. Explore our website today to discover a wealth of information on aviation news, flight schools, and career opportunities in the aviation industry.
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