After your symptoms have subsided and your doctor has given the all-clear, it is often safe to fly after suffering a concussion, which is a form of mild brain injury.

Newer studies have found no correlation or worsening of concussion symptoms with airplane travel, despite earlier research on humans and rodents suggesting that air travel may exacerbate some concussion symptoms in some individuals.

Concussion symptoms that can get worse include:

• headache
• light sensitivity, double vision, nausea, and vomiting, as well as tinnitus (ear ringing) or sensitivity to sound, lightheadedness, or trouble juggling issues with focus or memory recall
• weariness or sluggishness
• mood swings, agitation, or anxiety
• exhaustion

After a concussion, symptoms may appear as soon as a few days later and persist for several days or more.

The main worry when it comes to flying after a concussion is that spent time in a pressurized aircraft exposes people to lower oxygen pressure. This is usually 90% of the sea level oxygen pressure.

Cerebral hypoxia, or reduced oxygen and blood flow in the brain, can result from significantly lower oxygen levels in your surroundings.

What research shows

Air travel was not linked to longer recovery durations or more severe concussion symptoms, according to a 2020 research of collegiate athletes and military cadets who had suffered concussions and traveled hours after the injury. Researchers discovered that none of the study’s variables were impacted by flight duration, which was determined by the number of time zones traversed.

Researchers hypothesized that either healthy and physically fit individuals may adapt to the physiological changes brought on by air travel, or pressurized aircraft reduce the physiological issues brought on by the low pressure of high altitudes.

A 2014 study, however, found that professional hockey players who flew within six hours after suffering a concussion had a somewhat longer recovery period than those who did not. The researchers hypothesized that the cause was a lack of brain rest and a decrease in oxygen.

Although more research is required to fully understand the relationship between concussions and air travel, if you are waiting for your concussion symptoms to subside before taking a flight—which may take a few days—it should be safe to do so as soon as your doctor provides the all-clear.

Planning for air travel after a concussion

Concussion symptoms may not worsen if preparation is made in advance to avoid the possible stress of travel. Think about bringing:

• an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and use while flying to stay hydrated, as well as food for when you become hungry

Additionally, since they can lead to stress or anxiety, stay away from coffee and alcohol throughout your journey. Additionally, try to go with someone who can help you.

Before flying, people who are at risk for cerebral hypoxia or who have recently suffered a concussion should speak with a healthcare provider. This is because variations in oxygen and cabin pressure may have an impact on your symptoms.

Better yet, don’t fly until your symptoms subside and your doctor gives the all-clear.