Travelling with epilepsy

 Children and adolescents with epilepsy are able to enjoy travelling. 

Stress and tiredness can be followed by seizures. It is important to keep a routine when travelling. 

  • If flying, you should notify the cabin crew of your child’s epilepsy and the type of seizures your child may have. This can help reduce potential ‘panic’ onboard if your child does have a seizure.
  • If you need to visit a hospital in an emergency and it's not your usual one, a medical letter detailing your child's diagnosis and treatment will be useful.
  • It is also helpful to have an emergency seizure management plan.

Managing medications

We recommend that you keep your full supply of medications in your hand luggage in the original containers, in case your main luggage gets misplaced or delayed. You should always ensure you have sufficient medications for the entire holiday period and an additional few doses in case of delays. 

  • Necessary prescription and non-prescription medicines are exempt from the 100ml limit.
  • All exempt items need to be presented separately at the airport security screening point.
  • Security screening officers may request proof of the need for medications.
  • It is also important to have a written letter from your GP or specialist listing the names of the prescription and non-prescription drugs, dosages and frequency of administration.
  • More information can be found on the SmartTraveller site.

Taking medication while travelling

When administering medications overseas, it is important to continue to take them at regular intervals and at the same time as usual. To avoid confusion you can leave one watch on the usual Australian time. 

  • If you are travelling over several time zones, this often leads to medicine needing to be administered at unusual times.
  • You may need to gradually adjust when the medication is given so that it can be given at a more appropriate time of day.
  • To help with this, you can discuss with your pharmacist, GP or specialist.