Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, in a current dialog with People of Bombay, opened up a few harrowing medical episode she skilled mid-flight, and shared what it’s prefer to dwell — and journey — with epilepsy.
“I had a significant episode after I had a number of seizures. I used to be travelling to the USA by way of a Dubai flight. I acquired seizures on the flight. Then I used to be taken to the airport hospital, I used to be given the remedy however then additionally my seizures weren’t stopping, then they gave me a really excessive dose,” she shared. The episode left her motionless and closely sedated, as medical doctors needed to swap her remedy mid-crisis.
On the time, she was juggling two movie shoots — Sam Bahadur and, she believes, Dhak Dhak.
“I needed to cancel the shoot. One of many guys referred to as and requested if I may movie, and I simply began crying as a result of I couldn’t get off the bed. I used to be always blacking out. My feelings had been everywhere. I used to be like — that is my actuality now,” she stated.
Finally, she sought medical help, joined epilepsy help teams, and determined to talk brazenly concerning the situation. “At the moment, I accepted that that is my illness. And other people ought to find out about it, as a result of it’ll assist others,” she stated.
She hasn’t had one other seizure episode since then, and has been working to lift consciousness and break the stigma round epilepsy.
Is it secure for people with epilepsy to journey by air?
“For most individuals with epilepsy, flying is taken into account medically secure, particularly if their situation is well-managed with remedy and common follow-ups,” stated Dr Shiva Kumar R, senior marketing consultant epileptologist at Poorna Neuro Holistic Care and Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Street, Bengaluru, in a dialog with indianexpress.com. “Air journey itself doesn’t usually set off seizures. Nevertheless, elements like sleep deprivation, missed remedy, stress or dehydration can enhance danger in some people.”
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The physician additionally stated that in instances the place seizures are poorly managed or happen continuously, particularly generalised tonic-clonic seizures, medical doctors might advise suspending air journey till higher management is achieved. Equally, if somebody has not too long ago skilled a breakthrough seizure or change in remedy, it’s advisable to seek the advice of with a neurologist earlier than planning a long-haul journey.
What precautions ought to somebody with epilepsy take earlier than flying?
Preparation is essential to making sure a secure and cozy journey for an individual with epilepsy, stated Dr Shiva Kumar. “First, seek the advice of your neurologist earlier than travelling to substantiate that your situation is secure. Take medicines precisely as prescribed, even when meaning adjusting timings barely to go well with completely different time zones. All the time carry additional doses in your hand baggage, ideally within the authentic packaging,” he stated.
He additionally suggested sustaining a common sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and maintaining stress ranges low. “Carrying a medical alert bracelet and discreetly informing a journey companion or airline workers might help guarantee acceptable help if wanted,” the physician stated.
How ought to flight crew or companions reply if a passenger has a seizure mid-air?
If a seizure happens onboard, it’s vital to stay calm. “Most seizures resolve on their very own inside a couple of minutes,” stated Dr Shiva Kumar, including, “The particular person must be gently turned onto their facet to maintain the airway clear, and close by objects must be moved to stop damage. There isn’t a have to restrain actions or put something of their mouth. After the seizure, permit the particular person to relaxation and regain consciousness slowly.”
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He additionally stated, “If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if a number of seizures happen with out full restoration in between, it turns into a medical emergency and the flight crew must be notified instantly for additional help.”
In response to the physician, travellers with epilepsy are additionally suggested to hold a transient medical abstract or a health care provider’s observe with particulars of their analysis, present remedy, and emergency directions. This might help guarantee the suitable response from crew and medical personnel on the vacation spot if wanted.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.