stroke and flying

[elaine36505]

My sister in law just had a stroke while in flight from Australia to the US. She is presently in New Zealand. Is it safe for her to fly home, or will she need to stay there for recovery?

[Dr Sharma]

Dear Elaine, welcome to the medhelp forum. I understand your concern for your sister in law. You will have two authorities to see an approval from. One is the primary care physician who has been monitoring her post stroke.  The on aircraft environment, decreased intake of fluids and the prolonged immobility makes one prone to deep venous thrombosis because of increased blood viscosity and coagulability. These can lead to stroke and pulmonary embolism. Air travel is not generally advised for about 3 months post stroke. How is she presently? you can check with her doctor and consider if she could be allowed to fly with appropriate precautions like wearing compression stockings etc. the airline she intends to fly also needs to be apprised of her health condition and they would also require an authority letter from her physician. I hope these thoughts help. Wishing your sister in law a speedy recovery. Take care.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hey Elaine,
Here's a reply I just sent someone last night that is
also appropriate for your sister. Omit any references to surgery.
"I would try to find out by checking with Aerospace Medical Association
Medical Guidelines Task Force in Alexandria, VA (if this info  is available.)
My advice as well is to check with your surgeon for post surgery care instuctions regarding air travel. It may involve another visit there to evaluate your recovery progress first, before a definite answer could be given.
There are many variables as Dr. Mathur mentioned.
Also it may be wise to get something in writing, as airlines may refuse
anyone if they suspect any possible medical complications.
My wife and I were almost in this situation as my wife looked very pale-suffering from a simple case of "Turista" on a flight from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to Toronto.
They brought aboard a Medical Officer from the airport authority to evaluate this,and thank goodness we was "lenient" on her and allowed her to fly back home.
Take care and have a good recovery!"
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Niko