Do you have epilepsy and are you going on a trip? On this page you will find information to consider before and during your trip.
TRAVELLING WITH EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system in which you have repeated and spontaneous epileptic seizures. During an epileptic seizure, brain cells start sending all kinds of signals very quickly. There are different types of seizures. An important difference is where exactly the seizure starts: in one part of the brain, or in both hemispheres at the same time.
EPILEPSY AND VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations do not usually cause problems for people with epilepsy.
EPILEPSY AND MALARIA
Malaria is prevalent in some countries. In these countries, it is sometimes necessary to take malaria tablets preventively or as emergency treatment. The use of the malaria prophylaxis ”Mefloquine” or Lariam in people with epilepsy increases the risk of seizures. It should only be used curatively or if there is a strictly necessary medical reason for this. In addition, there may be interaction when using some anti-epileptic drugs in combination with Lariam or Doxycycline. This means that the drug may be less effective. Also, the drug chloroquine can cause seizures. It is better not to use this drug.
EPILEPSY AND TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA
Many travellers get traveller’s diarrhoea. It usually goes away after a few days. If you take medication for epilepsy, its effects may be reduced. Diarrhoea can cause the medicine to leave your body too quickly, so it is not absorbed properly. The advice is to use loperamide. Loperamide can stop the diarrhoea for a while. However, long-term use of this is not recommended because of the risk of constipation. It is also advisable to take ORS with you. This will keep you from dehydrating.
EPILEPSY AND ANTIBIOTICS
Are you taking medication for epilepsy? If so, be careful when taking antibiotics. This is because some medicines cannot be combined with medicines against epilepsy. Should you get medication in a (sub)tropical country, for example against diarrhoea, be careful that this is not an antibiotic!
TAILORED ADVICE FOR EPILEPSY
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice, you can use the button below, email via info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.