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Safety Tips for Those Traveling with Epilepsy

By Kathy O'Hara, RN Epilepsy Nurse Clinician, Nurse Manager Child Neurology,Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia

  • Discuss your travel plans and develop a seizure preparedness plan with your healthcare provider
  • Travel with a companion who is aware of your epilepsy and is willing and able to act in an emergency situation (before your departure, be sure to discuss what steps should be taken in the event of a seizure)
  • Carry emergency instructions explaining your condition, your medications, and the steps to be taken in an emergency (MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace)
  • Bring enough of your daily and rescue medication for your entire trip. Be sure it is easy to get to, not packed away in your checked baggage or in the trunk of your car
  • Always try to identify local medical care facilities and pharmacies at your destination
  • Time zone changes may impact your medication schedule; discuss this with your healthcare provider if you plan on traveling outside your normal time zone
  • Be aware of common seizure triggers that may occur more often when traveling: alcohol intake, lack of sleep, stress, changes in medication schedule, etc
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DIASTAT® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel) is a gel formulation of diazepam intended for rectal administration in the management of selected, refractory patients with epilepsy, on stable regimens of AEDs, who require intermittent use of diazepam to control bouts of increased seizure activity for patients 2 years and older.

In clinical trials with DIASTAT®, the most frequent side effect was somnolence (23%). Less frequent adverse events reported were dizziness, headache, pain, vasodilation, diarrhea, ataxia, euphoria, incoordination, asthma, rash, abdominal pain, nervousness and rhinitis (1%-5%). Please see full DIASTAT AcuDial Prescribing Information.