Frequent attacks of vertigo, or the uncertainty of when an attack might occur, can be stressful and may make people reluctant to travel. There are a few basic steps which can be taken to make travel a bit easier; whether doing the weekly shop, or on holiday abroad. Travel may be a challenge but don't write it off, even if you just arrange to go out for the day with a friend. You don't have to go far to enjoy yourself. If you find you enjoy a short journey you can go further afield next time. Take one step at a time and enjoy your trip!
- Stress and tiredness can exacerbate symptoms, so plan well ahead.
- Travel with a friend, relative or colleague, if possible, who understands and knows what to do in the event of an attack.
- Plan the journey leaving plenty of time for connections. Include adequate rest periods when travelling - whether a comfort break or a whole day off.
- Try relaxation techniques. See Controlling your Symptoms for more information.
- On a hectic business trip, if possible, try to finish your work before you get too tired.
- On a weekend trip or longer holiday have everything prepared a day or two before leaving so you can rest the day before you leave and get a good night’s sleep.
- If your hearing is poor a ‘hard of hearing, please speak clearly’ badge can be obtained from some hearing support organisations to alert people to your hearing loss and explain how they can help.
- Always pack a little more medication than you think you will need, especially those you only take during vertigo attacks, so that if you are delayed for any length of time you won’t be stuck without your regular medication. Sometimes, timetables and schedules get changed.
Walking
If you are uncertain about going out alone, start by going for short walks, keeping within a comfortably safe distance of home until you build up your confidence. Try and walk with someone if you can. Walk at your own speed and adjust your pace and step to maintain a comfortable balance while walking. Wear sensible, comfortable, low-heeled footwear and use a bag to carry awkward items. If it helps use a walking stick. Folding walking sticks are available which can be put in a handbag or pocket when not in use. Walking poles are also becoming increasingly popular.
Travelling by car
If you are affected by motion sickness, you may wish to keep some of your medication and sealable plastic bags to hand. The flicker of strong sunlight through shaded trees, or the ripple of fencing or posts flashing past can trigger dizziness. Some motoring organisations under their recovery scheme will recover you and your car if you are on your own and taken ill away from home. Check with your motoring organisation if they offer this service.
Driving and the law: There are legal obligations which apply to those who suffer from, or develop, sudden attacks of unprovoked or unprecipitated disabling giddiness and you are required by law to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), as well as the company which insures any vehicle you drive of your condition if you wish to continue driving. Visit the GOV.UK website for information on Vertigo and Driving.
Travelling by bus, train or underground
When travelling by bus or coach always sit down if you can as keeping your balance when the vehicle starts and stops can be difficult and remain downstairs on a double decker if you are unsteady. If motion bothers you, particularly when using the underground, be careful getting on and off escalators and keep your eyes in front.
Air travel
Most people have no difficulty at all with flying and many report feeling better for the experience. If you’re in doubt about a vertigo attack get an aisle seat; it’s away from the view, which could be disorienting and easier to get to the toilets. If noise and vibration are likely to trouble you arrange to have a seat away from the engines. When you book your flight, notify the airline of your condition. Ask if the airline has special diets. Knowing you can eat well in the air will reduce the stress of flying and so reduce the risk of an attack. Once in flight keep your fluid intake up. The air in aircraft is very dry because it is air conditioned and you will dehydrate to some degree, but avoid drinking alcohol in flight as this adds to the risk of dehydration. If your main problem when flying is severe ear pain, it is not related to your Ménière’s, but is caused by a difference in the pressure in the middle ear and the cabin.
Travel by sea
Some people find just thinking about the motion of a boat or ship almost brings on nausea, others very much enjoy sailing. Consider the length of the trip and the likely sea conditions. Try a short trip first before you arrange a long cruise. Once at sea you might find it less disturbing to stay below deck with a book and avoid the visual effect of seeing the horizon appear to move. If you suffer from sea-sickness try to keep your fluid levels up by drinking water. Being sick lowers your fluid levels very significantly.
Further assistance for people travelling with an invisible condition
Although it might seem strange, I have to say that Ménière’s actually made me get on with my life. My doctor warned that the attacks would get worse as the disease progressed and I would probably go completely deaf in my left ear and it may affect the other ear. I started a lip reading course immediately and as I had always wanted to travel, I started travelling the world, blocking out my fear. My first trip was to New Zealand and Australia via Hong Kong. I admit that I was terrified because I had a very severe Ménière’s attack lasting three weeks before I went and as I was doing the first leg of the journey on my own, and having a three-day trip to the Barrier Reef on my own at the end of the holiday, I did question my sanity a few times. However, with the help of mentholated sweets to clear my airways on the ascent and descent of flights (a brilliant tip), I coped really well. I also put a note in my passport to warn people in case I had an attack while I was on my own, that I was not drunk or on drugs! The next year I did another trip to Australia, to see the rest of the country, flying out on my own all the way that time. I have also done trips to Thailand, South America (Ecuador and Peru including Machu Picchu coping well with altitude), Galapagos Islands on a yacht and Canada. I have always believed in the quotation “feel the fear and do it anyway!” For me, the Bowen Technique has been the answer to my prayers! I have always felt that if you have the tools to deal with things, and I am still learning more tools, then you can cope with whatever life throws at you!
Until recently my only experience of sea travel was cross-channel ferries and short pleasure trips, and I usually suffered seasickness on anything but a calm sea. Since being diagnosed with Ménière's, I take Serc daily and appear to be able to cope much better with sea travel; albeit on a well-stabilised cruise ship. The only problem I had on the first cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, was when travelling at full speed across the rather rough North Sea, I did feel somewhat ill for a couple of hours. While the symptoms were similar to vertigo, I think it was just seasickness. However, on the way back across the North Sea from a Baltic cruise a quite severe attack of vertigo was triggered by a sudden force 11 gust; although I had been fine through the night in Force 5-8. I suffered from extreme dizziness, nausea and some sickness for most of the day and could hardly stand, let alone walk. There were many people who were ill while the sea was rough, but I am pretty sure that my attack was not just travel-sickness. While the attack was very unpleasant at the time, and somewhat debilitating for a while afterwards, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the cruise and I hope to go on more in the future
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please note: You should always consult a qualified health professional for guidance before you begin, change, temporarily suspend or discontinue any treatment, medication, exercise or diet. The Ménière's Society can provide general information, but is unable to provide specific medical advice and you should always check with your medical professional for information and advice relating to your own medical condition. The Ménière's Society cannot advise on individual cases nor accept any liability resulting from the use of any treatments/information referred to on this website.