Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, in a latest dialog with People of Bombay, opened up a couple of harrowing medical episode she skilled mid-flight, and shared what it’s prefer to stay — and journey — with epilepsy.
“I had a significant episode after I had a number of seizures. I used to be travelling to the USA through a Dubai flight. I received 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.
Story continues beneath this advert
“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 continually blacking out. My feelings have been in every single place. I used to be like — that is my actuality now,” she mentioned.
Ultimately, she sought medical help, joined epilepsy help teams, and determined to talk overtly concerning the situation. “At the moment, I accepted that that is my illness. And folks ought to learn about it, as a result of it’ll assist others,” she mentioned.
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,” mentioned Dr Shiva Kumar R, senior advisor epileptologist at Poorna Neuro Holistic Care and Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Highway, Bengaluru, in a dialog with indianexpress.com. “Air journey itself doesn’t usually set off seizures. Nonetheless, elements like sleep deprivation, missed remedy, stress or dehydration can enhance threat in some people.”
Story continues beneath this advert
The physician additionally mentioned 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 just lately 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 vital to making sure a secure and cozy journey for an individual with epilepsy, mentioned Dr Shiva Kumar. “First, seek the advice of your neurologist earlier than travelling to verify that your situation is secure. Take drugs precisely as prescribed, even when meaning adjusting timings barely to go well with completely different time zones. All the time carry further doses in your hand baggage, ideally within the authentic packaging,” he mentioned.
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 can assist guarantee applicable help if wanted,” the physician mentioned.
How ought to flight crew or companions reply if a passenger has a seizure mid-air?
If a seizure happens onboard, it’s essential to stay calm. “Most seizures resolve on their very own inside a couple of minutes,” mentioned Dr Shiva Kumar, including, “The individual ought to be gently turned onto their aspect to maintain the airway clear, and close by objects ought to be moved to forestall harm. There isn’t any must restrain actions or put something of their mouth. After the seizure, enable the individual to relaxation and regain consciousness slowly.”
Story continues beneath this advert
He additionally mentioned, “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 ought to be notified instantly for additional help.”
In keeping with the physician, travellers with epilepsy are additionally suggested to hold a transient medical abstract or a health care provider’s word with particulars of their analysis, present remedy, and emergency directions. This can assist guarantee the fitting response from crew and medical personnel on the vacation spot if wanted.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info 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.
