Stroke Symptoms And Air Travel: What You Need To Know

Flying after experiencing a stroke is a common concern for stroke survivors. While medical research shows that it is possible to fly after a stroke, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of stroke, the time elapsed since the stroke, and whether medical travel assistance is desired. The decision to fly after a stroke should be made in consultation with a doctor, as individual circumstances vary.

How long after a stroke can I fly?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your recovery progress and current health condition. Here is some information to help you understand the considerations and make an informed decision:

Recommendations and Guidelines:

• According to the Stroke Association, it is recommended to wait for at least two weeks before flying following a stroke. This is because individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing a second stroke after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
• The American Heart Association (AHA) advises individuals to wait until they are stable and sufficiently recovered before travelling.
• The Civil Aviation Authority in the UK suggests waiting for at least 10 days, and preferably three weeks, after a stroke before flying.

Individual Factors:

• Recovery from a stroke varies for each person and depends on the severity and type of stroke. It is crucial to consult with your doctor to determine if your health is stable enough for air travel.
• Some individuals may be cleared by their doctors to fly within a few days after a stroke if they are in a stable condition. However, it is important to check with your airline, as some may not allow passengers who have had a stroke within the last few days.
• If you have had an ischaemic stroke (caused by a blood clot), you will need to take medication regularly to reduce the risk of blood clots. Ensure you plan carefully and have the necessary medication with you when travelling.

Risks and Precautions:

• Flying can increase the risk of blood clots, especially during long flights. Inactivity in cramped spaces can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in the leg.
• The reduced oxygen levels in an aeroplane cabin may be a concern for individuals with breathing difficulties or heart conditions. Consult your doctor to assess if flying is safe for you.
• If you experience a stroke during a flight, receiving immediate medical attention may be delayed. Some stroke treatments, such as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), must be administered promptly.
• To minimise risks, consider taking precautions such as wearing compression stockings, staying hydrated, avoiding salty snacks, and moving around or performing leg exercises during the flight.

In summary, the decision on how long to wait after a stroke before flying depends on your individual health status and the recommendations of your doctor. It is crucial to prioritise your health and well-being, and ensure that you have the necessary clearances and precautions in place before travelling.

What precautions should I take before flying?

Flying after experiencing a stroke is a common concern for stroke survivors. Before booking a flight, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine if you are medically stable enough to fly. Here are some precautions you should take before flying:

• Check with your doctor: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor and get medical clearance if they deem it safe for you to fly. Ensure you are stable and have recovered enough, especially if you are within the first few weeks or months after a stroke when the risk of a second stroke is higher.
• Understand the risks: Be aware of the potential risks associated with flying after a stroke, such as the increased risk of blood clots, reduced oxygen levels, and delayed medical treatment in an emergency.
• Contact the airline: Reach out to the airline at least 72 hours to one week in advance to arrange any special assistance you may need, such as vision or hearing assistance, wheelchair services, or help with mobility and medical device transport.
• Book extra legroom: Consider booking seats with extra legroom to make your flight more comfortable and to allow yourself to move around more easily during the flight, which can help prevent blood clots.
• Arrange transportation assistance: If needed, book in-airport transportation assistance to help you navigate the airport, especially if your mobility is limited.
• Carry necessary items onboard: Keep your medication, medical documentation, and other necessary items in your carry-on luggage. Ensure you have enough medication for your entire trip and declare your medication upon arrival at your destination.
• Wear compression stockings: Consider wearing compression socks or stockings to improve circulation and prevent blood clots from forming during the flight.
• Stay hydrated and avoid salty snacks: Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and salty or fried foods to stay hydrated and maintain stable blood pressure.
• Plan ahead for a stress-free journey: Allow extra time at the airport, book flights that fit your routine, and consider staying at an airport hotel to minimise stress and tiredness.
• Get travel insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers any pre-existing medical conditions, as medical care abroad can be extremely expensive.

What are the risks of flying after a stroke?

Flying after a stroke is a common concern for many stroke survivors. While the incidence of a stroke during a commercial flight is low, there are still some risks to be aware of. Here are some of the key risks to consider:

• Hypercoagulability: Flying can increase the risk of blood clot formation, especially for those with hypercoagulable conditions. Long flights can elevate clot risk by 26%. Inactivity in cramped spaces can lead to blood clots developing in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can break loose and travel to the lungs or brain, causing life-threatening conditions.
• Reduced Oxygen Levels: Lower air pressure in the plane means less oxygen is available to the body, including the brain. While this may not be an issue for stroke survivors, it can be a problem for those with breathing difficulties or heart conditions.
• Delayed Medical Treatment: In the event of a stroke on a plane, emergency medical attention may be delayed, and some stroke interventions need to be administered promptly.
• Practical Challenges: Stroke survivors may face difficulties with communication, spatial perception, and mobility, which can make navigating airports and understanding flight information challenging.

It's important to consult with a doctor to determine if flying is safe for you and to take necessary precautions to reduce these risks. Waiting for a period of time after a stroke, typically at least two weeks, is generally recommended to reduce the risk of a second stroke and ensure medical stability.

What should I do if I need to fly within 10-21 days of a stroke?

If you need to fly within 10–21 days of a stroke, it is important to take certain precautions and carefully assess your health condition. Here are some guidelines and recommendations to follow:

Consult Your Doctor

Firstly, consult your doctor to determine if your health is stable enough for air travel. The recovery process and individual health situation differ for each person, so getting medical clearance is crucial. Your doctor will assess your condition and provide advice based on your specific needs. It is generally recommended to wait for at least two weeks after a stroke before flying, as the risk of a second stroke is higher during this period.

Contact Your Airline

Contact your airline in advance to discuss your requirements and any additional assistance you may need during the flight. Most airlines have specific guidelines and requirements for passengers with medical conditions, so ensure you are well-informed about their policies. Some airlines may require a doctor's note or certificate, so be prepared to provide the necessary documentation.

Manage Your Medication

Keep your medication easily accessible by storing it in your carry-on bag. It is also a good idea to pack medication in your hold bag as well, in case your hand luggage is lost. Ensure you have enough medication for your entire trip and take steps to manage your medication timing, especially if you are travelling across different time zones.

Take Precautions for Blood Clot Prevention

Flying increases the risk of blood clot formation, which is a concern for stroke survivors. To reduce this risk, consider wearing compression stockings or socks, which improve circulation and prevent blood clots. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and perform simple exercises like ankle flexes or walking around the cabin to improve your blood flow.

Travel with a Companion

If possible, consider travelling with a companion who can provide assistance and give you peace of mind. Inform them about your medical history, requirements, and how to respond in an emergency. This is especially important if you have experienced changes in mobility, speech, or vision due to the stroke.

Allow for Extra Time

Allow plenty of time when arriving at the airport and checking in to reduce stress and anxiety. Stroke can impact movement and cognitive functions, so giving yourself extra time can make your travel experience more comfortable.

Consider Travel Insurance

Look into purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Ensure you declare your history of stroke when arranging insurance and check that you are fully covered, as some policies may exclude pre-existing medical conditions.

Remember, the decision to fly after a stroke should be made in consultation with your doctor, taking into account your individual health status and recovery progress.

What are the signs of a stroke?

The American Stroke Association recommends using the F.A.S.T. acronym to spot the warning signs of a stroke:

• F = Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?
• A = Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech Difficulty: Is their speech slurred or strange? Are they having trouble understanding speech?
• T = Time to call 911: Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

Other stroke symptoms include:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• A sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you think someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.

It is important to act quickly, as the stroke treatments that work best are only available if the stroke is recognised and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.

Frequently asked questions