flying after rads

hiya all does any one kno anything about flying after whole brain radiotherapy …ive also had gamma surgery and lookin at flyin round about the 1st of june .any advice would be greatly appreciated xxxx

Hi Mojomac

One of our Information has taken a look at your query and has given the response below. I do hope this is of some help for you.

Louise
Facilitator

Dear Mojomac,

For most people, air travel shouldn’t be a problem after treatment for a brain tumour.

In the past, doctors advised people to avoid flying for at least six weeks after brain surgery. But nowadays, some specialists suggest that waiting this long is not necessary and that it is safe to fly after a shorter period of time. It is always better to check with your specialist who will be aware of the type of treatment you have had and how this might affect you flying.

If you have a condition called raised intracranial pressure, it wouldn’t usually be safe to fly. This is because there is a risk that pressure changes during the flight might make your condition worse.

If you suffer from seizures which are difficult to control, the stress of flying may make them worse. Some airlines specify that you should not fly within 24hours of having a generalised seizure. But, if your seizures are controlled by medication, air travel shouldn’t be a problem. Make sure that you carry your medication with you.

The risk of blood clots, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may be slightly increased for people with a brain tumour. Doctor’s don’t fully understand why this is, but it is important to follow instructions you are given about reducing the risk of developing a DVT.

Lastly, although it is often difficult for people with a brain tumour to obtain travel insurance, it is important to take out adequate insurance if you are planning a trip abroad. You may have to contact a number of companies before you find one willing to offer insurance and the premium will be higher than normal. Breast Cancer Care has put together a factsheet containing a number of travel insurance companies and their contact details, if you would like to try these companies please click on the following link:

breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/bc_travelinssep06_0.pdf

If in any doubt about your fitness, it is best to talk to your specialist for advice.

You may also find it helpful to contact the airline’s medical department for help and advice.

If you would like to discuss any of this further, you are welcome to phone our helpline and speak with one of our experienced nurses or trained helpline workers.

The freephone number is 0808 800 6000 (for Typetalk prefix 18001), Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.

Thank you for contacting us. Please contact us again in the future if you have any further queries.

Kind regards,

Information Nurse