A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow or jolt, causing a temporary disruption of normal brain function. This injury requires significant rest for healing due to complex cellular and chemical changes. Flying shortly after sustaining a concussion carries notable risks because the unique environmental stressors of air travel can worsen symptoms and delay recovery. Therefore, any decision to travel by air following a head injury must be approached with caution and only after a thorough medical consultation.
How Cabin Environment Affects Concussions
Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized to an altitude typically between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. This partial pressure change affects fluid dynamics within the skull. For a brain dealing with injury-related swelling or inflammation, this pressure differential can exacerbate existing symptoms like headache and dizziness. If a more severe injury, such as an undiagnosed intracranial hemorrhage, is present, these pressure changes pose a significant risk.
The reduced atmospheric pressure results in a lower partial pressure of oxygen, known as hypobaric hypoxemia. An injured brain is vulnerable to any reduction in oxygen supply while healing. This mild hypoxia places additional metabolic stress on recovering neural tissues. It can impair the brain’s ability to repair itself and may contribute to a prolonged recovery period.
The physical environment of an airplane introduces mechanical and sensory stressors beyond pressure and oxygen. Constant low-level engine noise, vibration, and occasional turbulence create continuous physical stress. This motion and vibration are difficult for a sensitive, concussed brain to process. These factors force the brain to expend more energy, diverting resources away from the necessary healing process.
Exacerbation of Concussion Symptoms During Flight
Air travel environmental factors intensify common concussion symptoms. Headaches, a frequent complaint following a concussion, are often worsened by pressure changes during ascent and descent. This pain is compounded by the constant sensory overload inherent to the airport and cabin environment.
The vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation, is frequently disrupted by a concussion, leading to dizziness and vertigo. Combined with aircraft motion and mild hypoxia, this disruption can trigger or worsen severe nausea and vomiting. The injured brain is overwhelmed by conflicting sensory signals.
The demanding nature of air travel also severely exacerbates cognitive symptoms and fatigue. Navigating busy airports, processing announcements, and focusing in a confined, noisy space require significant mental effort. This intense cognitive load, combined with mild oxygen deprivation, quickly leads to mental exhaustion, or “brain fog,” and difficulty with concentration.
Physician Clearance and Safe Travel Timing
Obtaining explicit physician clearance before flying is necessary, especially if the injury is recent. This medical consultation is required to rule out serious complications, such as a brain bleed or skull fracture, which would make commercial air travel dangerous. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, may be necessary to confirm the absence of these structural risks before commercial air travel is considered.
For a person with a mild concussion, the general recommendation is to wait until a symptom-free period has been established. While specific timing varies, many neurologists suggest waiting at least 7 to 14 days, or until all symptoms have resolved. The brain must be fully recovered before it is exposed to the stressors of flying.
If travel is approved, several practical steps can help minimize the risk of symptom exacerbation. Travelers should take proactive measures to manage the journey:
- Choose direct flights to reduce the number of takeoffs and landings, which involve the most significant pressure changes.
- Ensure they are well-rested before the journey.
- Manage sensory input, such as using earplugs or an eye mask during the flight.
- Carry medical documentation and physician-approved pain relief.
During the flight, travelers should monitor their condition closely, remaining hydrated and avoiding physical or mental overexertion. Should severe symptoms like a worsening headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness occur, immediate medical attention upon landing or requesting assistance from the flight crew is necessary.