Is it safe to fly with a head injury?

Is it safe to fly with a head injury? A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury that usually resolves within 10 days. In such cases, flying is usually safe. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, or if there is a skull fracture or brain bleeding, flying should be avoided because it may result in a hemorrhagic stroke or brain cell death.

How can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?

To tell the difference, look for other signs of a serious head injury, such as a severe headache; Clear or bloody fluid coming from your nose, ears, or mouth; Confusion, drowsiness, or a loss of consciousness; Changes in the way you hear, see, taste, or smell; memory loss; mood changes or strange behaviors; slurred ...

Does flying increase intracranial pressure?

The simulation with this model suggested that intracranial air volumes above 11 ml could result in intracranial hypertension during the drop in cabin pressure [5]. Moreover, the increase in ICP was also found to depend on the rate of change in cabin pressure [2, 5].

What injuries should you not fly with?

recent heart attack. recent stroke. recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing.

Can flying make a head injury worse?

Studies have shown that there is a significant decrease in an individual's partial pressure and oxygen when flying, which is of particular concern after a brain injury. When pressure changes lead to decreased oxygen in a brain injury survivor, it can alter or worsen the effects of the brain injury.

Does flying cause brain inflammation?

At high altitudes, cerebral hypoxia triggers the upregulation of VEGF. In turn, the VEGF increases capillary permeability and contributes to cerebral edema. Note, however, that brain swelling attributable to ascent to high altitudes may occur without any associated symptoms.

Does flying increase risk of stroke?

Air travel increases the risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs, which can then enter the bloodstream and block an artery in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism. In some cases, the opening can allow the blood clot to enter the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke.