How Can Essential Oils Aid in Recovering after a Stroke?

A stroke can be a terrifying and life-altering event for those who experience it. One of the biggest questions many stroke survivors have is whether or not they will ever be able to fly again. Fortunately, air travel after a stroke is possible but requires some special considerations regarding timing and safety precautions.

 

In this blog post, we’ll explain what steps need to be taken by doctors and patients alike before flying after a stroke as well as the potential risks involved in the process. Most importantly, we hope you’ll learn more about how soon you can safely board an airplane following your experience with stroke recovery.

Instructions for Flying After a Stroke

A common concern for stroke patients is when they can fly again after recovery. Flying should be avoided for at least two weeks following a stroke, as the Stroke Association recommends. The chance of having another stroke increases dramatically in the initial month following the first stroke.

 

One month is generally recommended as a precaution against suffering a stroke while flying and being far from medical help. It’s essential to have access to medical care after a stroke in case any complications arise during the first few weeks.  

 

Because of the variability between strokes, getting medical permission to travel is essential. They can tell you whether your health is stable enough to fly. If you don’t have access to a boat, it’s safer to stay on shore, where help is nearby in case of a life-threatening situation. Never take chances with your life. You should hold off on making trip arrangements if at all possible.

Stroke and Flying: Potential Dangers

Suppose you and your healthcare provider are both aware of the potential dangers of flying after a stroke. In that case, you may decide whether it is appropriate for you to fly again. Some of the difficulties that may arise with air travel after a stroke include:

Decreased Oxygen Utilization

There is a decrease in oxygen accessible to the body, and hence the brain, due to the decreased air pressure on an airplane. It is recommended that people recovering from a stroke not spend significant amounts of time sitting in low-oxygen environments.

Patients with stroke are likely to be safe from low cabin oxygen levels during flights, but individuals with comorbidities like breathing or cardiac problems may be in danger. Once again, you should see your physician before booking a flight.

Stroke survivors may have lingering health issues that can affect their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which can impact how well their bodies adapt to changes in cabin pressure and oxygen levels during air travel.

The reduced oxygen levels in airplane cabins, typically pressurized to simulate an altitude of around 6,000 to 8,000 feet, can pose challenges for passengers with certain health conditions, including stroke survivors. This is especially true if there are pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory issues.

Additionally, staying hydrated, moving around the cabin periodically, and performing in-seat exercises can help promote better circulation and oxygenation during the flight.

Lack of Prompt Medical Attention

In the event that you have a stroke while in flight, the pilot may try to conduct a landing in crisis so that you may get immediate medical assistance. Urgent landings have rescued human lives in the past, but it may take longer for you to get the care you need. For this reason, many medical professionals recommend postponing air travel for a while following a stroke.

Although having a stroke on a flight is uncommon, passengers should take precautions and listen to their doctors. Now that we’ve gone through some of the dangers of flying after a stroke let’s talk about ways to minimize those risks.

Increased Blood Clotting

Genetic and environmental factors increase the likelihood of hypercoagulability, which may lead to increased blood clotting. This raises the possibility of an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a clot blocks off a cerebral artery. 

Numerous studies have shown an increased risk of getting a clot during and after plane travel. In fact, the risk of clot formation increases by nearly 26% for flights lasting more than 12 hours.  

The specific reasons why travelers experience hypercoagulability or clotting while on the road are still up for dispute. The danger of blood clots rises when passengers sit for long periods since circulation slows.

One such condition is deep vein thrombosis, which manifests as a clot in a vein deep inside the leg. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery.

Recurrence of Stroke Symptoms

Stroke survivors may be at a higher risk of experiencing recurrent strokes, and the stressors associated with flying could trigger new symptoms or complications. Changes in cabin pressure, altitude, and dehydration during long flights can affect blood flow and increase the risk of blood clots.

Mobility and Physical Limitations

Stroke patients may experience various physical limitations, such as muscle weakness, impaired coordination, or difficulty with balance and walking. Airports and airplanes often require walking long distances and navigating narrow aisles and cramped spaces.

It is important to consider your mobility needs and any necessary accommodations, such as wheelchair assistance, before booking a flight. Additionally, inform the airline about any special requirements you may have.

Communication Challenge

Some stroke survivors often experience difficulties with speech, comprehension, or expressive communication. Clear and effective communication is essential in an airport or onboard an aircraft, particularly in emergencies or when seeking assistance. 

Stress and Fatigue

Traveling can be stressful and tiring for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for stroke survivors. The physical and mental exertion of navigating through airports, adhering to schedules, and dealing with potential delays or disruptions can increase stress levels.

Fatigue can also impact your overall well-being and recovery. It is essential to plan your journey carefully, allowing for adequate rest periods and considering the potential impact of jet lag on your recovery.

Insurance Coverage and Emergency Assistance

Before traveling, review your travel insurance policy to ensure that it provides sufficient coverage for any medical emergencies or complications related to your stroke. Consider the availability of emergency medical services at your destination and assess whether they can adequately address your specific needs in case of an unforeseen event.

Flying Again After Having a Stroke: Some Tips and Advice

Traveling is thrilling and opens up incredible new possibilities but it can also be demanding and daunting. If you have suffered mobility problems or are worried about the hazards of flying, this may be particularly the case for people who have undergone a stroke.

 

But several things may be done to lessen the likelihood of getting a clot and the anxiety of flying. Following a stroke, you may be permitted to travel. Here are some things you can do to be safe and healthy on the flight:

 

  • Hypercoagulable patients should specifically consider wearing compression socks. Compression socks aid circulation and lessen the likelihood of blood clots forming in the legs.

 

  • When the seatbelt sign is not illuminated, you are free to get up and move about the vehicle. Blood clot concerns, such as deep vein thrombosis, may be avoided with regular physical activity. Exercise your legs while sitting if turbulence or other circumstances prevent you from getting up and moving.

 

  • You should always have your medicine on hand, so pack it in your carry-on. Make sure you don’t misplace it and end up without access to your prescription since it was left in your checked suitcase. You should also pack enough of your prescription drugs to last the duration of your vacation.

 

  • Keep records of your medical history and medications, and report them when you enter a new nation. It is essential to know the rules of the country you visit if your medicine is confiscated upon arrival.

 

  • It is recommended that passengers needing special help contact their airline at least two days before their flight. This might range from helping with sight and hearing to accessing wheelchairs and transporting mobility aids. Furthermore, airports provide assistance centers where passengers with restricted mobility may seek help with transport.

 

  • Invest in trip protection by purchasing travel insurance. If you need to cancel or postpone your flight or other travel arrangements, this might help you prevent hassles. Medical attention in a foreign country may be quite costly, so research your health insurance policy thoroughly before leaving.

 

  • Pay attention to what you put into your body since this directly affects blood pressure. If you want to feel better and keep your blood pressure in check, drinking plenty of water and cutting out on salty foods is a good idea.

 

  • Don’t forget to factor in time for passing through security and getting to your terminal. This will give you plenty of time to relax while you check or carry your bags and gear. When planning your trip, be sure to factor in time for rest and recuperation.

 

  • If feasible, you should travel with a friend who can help you in an emergency. Flying for the first time following a stroke might provide much-needed peace of mind.

To Sum Up

Despite the fact that all stroke survivors worry about the possibility of another attack, flying is often a safe option. Your medical professional is the best person to advise you on whether you’re medically cleared to travel after a stroke. Different people may need more time to wait if they have certain risk factors or medical difficulties before they may travel.

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