A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can temporarily affect normal brain function. While concussions are not life-threatening, their effects can be significant, ranging from headaches and dizziness to issues with concentration and memory. Given the brain’s vulnerability after such an injury, questions arise about the safety of air travel during recovery.
Understanding Concussion and Air Travel
Commercial airplanes maintain a pressurized cabin, typically equivalent to an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. This simulated altitude results in lower oxygen levels in the body. For a healthy individual, this change is usually manageable, but a healing brain may react differently. This environment can impact a recovering brain.
The travel experience also poses challenges. Airports and airplanes present a sensory-rich environment with increased noise, bright lights, and general stress. These factors, combined with reduced oxygen, can strain a recovering brain. Brain autoregulation, which maintains stable blood flow, might be compromised after a concussion, increasing sensitivity to these shifts.
Potential Risks of Flying with a Concussion
Flying too soon after a concussion can lead to worsening or new symptoms. Symptoms like amplified headaches, increased dizziness, nausea, or fatigue may occur. Cognitive issues such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems can also worsen during or after a flight. Air travel’s stress and sensory overload (noise, light) can worsen anxiety and discomfort.
Reduced cabin oxygen can delay recovery for a healing brain. While some studies, particularly with healthy athletes, show no significant association between early air travel and worse symptoms, other research suggests longer recovery periods. For instance, a study of professional hockey players who flew within six hours of injury showed slightly longer recovery times, possibly due to decreased oxygen and lack of brain rest.
A serious, though rare, concern is an underlying brain hemorrhage, which can worsen with pressure changes. If a brain bleed or skull fracture is present, high altitude flying could lead to increased intracranial pressure or cerebral hypoxia (lack of oxygen, causing brain cell damage). Ruling out such complications is important before air travel.
Medical Guidance for Flying
Consult a healthcare professional before flying after a concussion. There is no universal “safe” time to fly, as recovery varies. A doctor’s assessment is crucial to determine travel safety, especially if symptoms persist or complications like a brain bleed or skull fracture occurred.
Medical professionals advise waiting until concussion symptoms significantly improve or resolve. Recommendations vary, from avoiding travel within 24-48 hours post-injury to waiting 7-14 days or even up to four weeks, depending on symptom persistence. Serious conditions, such as intracranial hemorrhages, must be ruled out through medical scans and clearance.
Gradual return to normal activities is part of recovery; consider air travel only after this process is underway and with medical clearance. Prioritizing rest and recovery is paramount. If symptoms persist or worsen after initial recovery, consult a doctor before making travel plans.
Managing Symptoms During Travel
If medically cleared to fly after a concussion, several strategies can help manage lingering symptoms and promote comfort. Stay hydrated by drinking water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration and symptom exacerbation. Pack healthy snacks to maintain stable energy.
To mitigate sensory overload, use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs and an eye mask. Rest as much as possible during the flight, as this aids recovery. Carry and take prescribed medications as directed. Traveling with a companion provides valuable support, especially if symptoms worsen.