Epilepsy and flying

Epileptic patients are at no higher risk of having a seizure when flying. Just 4% of all medical issues arising during flight occur due to epileptic seizures. As seizures disturb the flight passengers and the cabin crew, certain risk mitigation measures are recommended to minimize the risk of seizures.
Irregular sleep prior to and during the long flight hours may increase the chance of seizures. It is advised to discuss taking certain medication before the flight with the consulting doctor.
Short duration flights do not introduce complications to taking medication as the time difference is insignificant. Patients with high anxiety levels are advised to discuss their tactics for flying with their consulting doctor.
During international flights the schedule of taking medication should be adapted to the time difference. This is done best by taking an additional dose or reducing the remaining dose.

When travelling abroad, to western or overseas counties:
- If the duration of the day increases by 3-6 hours, additionally take ¼ of your daily dose of medication upon arrival
- If the duration of the day increases by more than 6 hours take an additional ½ of your daily dose of medication upon arrival

When travelling abroad, to eastern or overseas counties:
- If the duration of the day decreases by 3-6 hours, reduce your daily dose of medication by half upon arrival
- If the duration of the day decreases by more than 6 hours, only take ¼ of your daily dose of medication upon arrival