A concussion represents a mild form of traumatic brain injury resulting from a jolt or blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This sudden movement can stretch and damage brain cells, leading to temporary changes in brain function. While concussions are often considered mild, flying shortly after sustaining one can introduce complications that may hinder the natural recovery process.
Why Flying Poses a Risk
Flying presents several physiological challenges to a healing brain due to changes in cabin environment. Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized, but not to sea-level pressure; they are typically maintained at an atmospheric pressure equivalent to an altitude between 6,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. This reduction in atmospheric pressure, similar to ascending a mountain, causes gases within the body to expand, including those in the skull and surrounding tissues.
The pressure changes can lead to increased pressure within the skull, exacerbating swelling or inflammation associated with the concussion. Furthermore, the air at these cabin altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level, leading to a state of mild hypoxia. A brain recovering from injury is already working harder and is more vulnerable to reduced oxygen supply, as even subtle oxygen deprivation can impair neurological function and recovery. While some newer studies suggest that air travel may not worsen concussion symptoms or recovery times in all individuals, the potential for physiological stress remains a concern for a vulnerable brain.
Beyond pressure and oxygen, the physical environment of a flight also poses risks. Turbulence can cause sudden, jarring movements that can jostle the head, re-aggravating the injured brain tissue. The constant noise, vibrations, and bright, fluctuating cabin lighting can also place additional sensory stress on an already sensitive nervous system. All these factors contribute to an environment that is not conducive to brain rest and healing.
Potential Effects on Symptoms and Recovery
Flying with a concussion can significantly worsen existing symptoms or trigger new ones. Headaches, a common concussion symptom, can intensify due to changes in intracranial pressure, becoming more severe or persistent. Dizziness and balance issues can also become more pronounced, leading to increased discomfort or even motion sickness during the flight. The combination of cabin pressure changes and reduced oxygen can disrupt the delicate balance the brain is trying to restore.
Cognitive difficulties, such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems, can also be exacerbated. The mentally demanding environment of travel, coupled with a compromised brain, can make simple tasks feel overwhelming. Sensory sensitivities, including increased intolerance to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia), are frequently reported by individuals with concussions. The bright cabin lights, engine noise, and general hustle of an airport and airplane can intensely irritate these sensitivities.
Nausea and fatigue are other symptoms that can be amplified by flying. The overall stress of travel combined with the physiological demands of altitude can lead to profound exhaustion. Exposing the brain to these stressors before it has fully healed can prolong the overall recovery period. In some cases, it can increase the risk of developing Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), a condition where concussion symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the initial injury.
When to Consider Flying Safe
Determining when it is safe to fly after a concussion necessitates careful medical evaluation. A healthcare professional specializing in concussion management, such as a neurologist or sports medicine physician, should provide medical clearance. They will assess your current symptoms, neurological function, and the specific nature of your injury to make an informed decision. Self-assessment alone is insufficient for this complex determination.
General guidelines suggest waiting until you are completely symptom-free before considering air travel. While individual recovery times vary widely, this means waiting at least several days to a few weeks, and sometimes longer, after all concussion symptoms have resolved. Some medical professionals recommend an observation period of 24 to 72 hours of being symptom-free before travel, though this can be extended based on the severity of the initial injury and the individual’s progress.
The goal is to ensure the brain has had sufficient time to heal and is not vulnerable to the additional stressors of flying. Your doctor can perform specific cognitive and balance tests to confirm that your brain function has returned to its baseline. Discussing your specific travel plans and the duration of your flight with your doctor is also important, as longer flights can pose greater risks. It is also important to rule out more serious issues like a brain bleed or skull fracture before flying, as these conditions significantly increase the risks associated with air travel.
Managing Travel If Flying Is Unavoidable
If flying is absolutely necessary despite a recent concussion, and after receiving medical clearance, several strategies can help mitigate risks. Prioritizing hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the journey is important, while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate and worsen symptoms. Packing physician-approved pain relief medication and any other necessary prescriptions can help manage discomfort during the flight.
Wearing sunglasses and earplugs can help reduce sensory overload from bright lights and engine noise, providing a more calming environment. It is also advisable to notify airline staff, such as flight attendants, about your condition, so they can be aware and assist if symptoms worsen. Planning for frequent breaks if possible, such as standing up or walking around the cabin when permitted, can also be beneficial.
Having a clear plan for symptom management, including knowing when to rest or seek medical attention upon arrival, is also important. While these measures can help, they do not eliminate the inherent risks of flying with a healing brain. It is always best to prioritize brain rest and recovery, and only fly when medically advised as safe to do so.