NARRATIVES
TALK TO A
ADVICE
Established April 15, 1995
University of West Georgia Disclaimer
Page Q&A Index
10/2008
Question Submitted by Peggy Renfrew
Flying after brain surgery and clipping. Obviously I asked the surgeon who clipped the aneurysm and his response was "just do anything you want". I have come to realize after 2 years, that the surgeons consider their work done when the incision is closed. Fortunately I have had no trouble since the surgery, but I haven't flown either.
I am flying to London in 20 days and find myself feeling rather anxious in case the screws or bars shift, pain, etc. I only need a little re-assurance and advice.
Submitted by Michele Starkey: I have both a shunt and a clip after my rupture in 1999. I have flown probably 10 times since the surgery and I have found that if I take an antihistamine before I fly, it seems to relieve the pressure in my head. I don't know if that is because of the shunt or the clip, but it does definitely help. My neurologist told me to do that years ago and it's always relieved the pressure - no headaches afterward.
Submitted by Joyce Willett: I had my aneurysm clipped on October 8,1999 and flew a 3 hour flight on March 6, 2000 with no problems whatsoever!
Submitted by Sylvia Bunn: Last February, I went to Las Vegas - and had absolutely no difficulties at all. Prior to leaving, I obtained a statement from my physician stating that I had a clip in my brain, but I never needed it. I didn't set off any buzzers, didn't freak out any machines and had no troubles. Or should I amend that to state that the only troubles I experienced were my own nerves about the trip. If it would ease your mind, I'd go to the doctor and check what he (or she) has to say about it, but from my experience, I wouldn't worry.
Submitted by Nonia McQuay: Flying with clips and coils are pretty easy. The plane is pressurized so the flying is easy. If you can stand to ride in a vehicle going over 60 MPH then you should be able to handle some pressure to the head. If you go in a diving bell under the sea, it is pressurized so you would have a grand time. But if you go diving with just scuba gear I have heard you will have some problems with the pressure. The same if you go flying in a plane that is not pressurized you may have a massive headache. This is what my surgeon told me. I have flown quite a few times since having both the clip/plates and coils on both sides of the brain.
Submitted by David Andrus: Regarding flying with aneurysm clips - I have taken many flights without any problem whatever. I have two clips on the right middle cerebral artery, and I've even seen them in there on an X-ray. The farthest flight I've been on is from Toronto to Honolulu, Hawaii (9 hour flight). No headaches, or any other discomfort. Hope this helps.
Submitted by Kris Herron: I had my aneurysm 5 and a half years ago and had a crainiotomy and have flown around the world, to China, and interstate in Australia, and we are off again next week to Germany France and Belgium. I have had no problems at all in relation to the aneurysm, only that we now fly business class, so that i can get some sleep, cause i get pretty fatigued with the late flights, cause i am on medication to keep my anxiety under control. So fly and enjoy the second life.
Submitted by Kevin Kitzi: I have flown many times with no problems!
Submitted by Lynn Roby: I am post rupture brain aneurysm 11 years. I have flown several times not so much since 911. I did however fly less then a year after my rupture to the caman Islands and went snorkling. I remember feeling a lot of pressure in my head when flying. I also get extremely fatigued. I hope this helps you.
Submitted by Stephanie Mastriano: I thought I would just let you know that I have flown many times since I had 2 titanium clips put in my head back in 2005 due to 2 aneurysms leaking. I actually flew about 4 months after the surgery with no problem and I've also flown for 5 to 6 hours on a couple of different trips since then and no problems. Also, no issues going through the metal detector at security. My mother has also flown numerous times since her aneurysm ruptured in 2005 and was clipped and she also has not had one issue surrounding flying or metal detectors.
Submitted by Meredyth Watkins: I've been flying for the past 12 years. No problem.
Submitted by Heidi Pura: I have a total of 3 titanium clips and although I don't often fly, I've flown at least 3 or 4 times since my surgeries and have never had any problems.
Submitted by Marie Hruby: In response to your question about flying with a clipped aneurysm, I have flown several times post clipping. When I went to Arizona to have my last aneurysm repaired by Dr. Spetzler, I flew home to Omaha fifteen days after surgery. I did absolutely fine. There was a small amount of pressure in my brain that did not amount to any pain or loss of my faculties. I am proof that you can fly after aneurysm clipping with no problem at all.
Submitted by Eloise Phillips: I had my surgery for an unruptured aneurysm on June 8, 2001. On September 28, 2001, I flew cross country to go to a family wedding - with my doctor's blessing. As he told me then, there are patients who fly to go to an expert in handling aneurysms. When their surgery is done, they have to fly home. In short, there is no problem with flying after having a crainiotomy. Make sure however, that you take care of whatever sinus problems you may have. Now that can be affected by flying!
Submitted by Judi Winter: I have flown many, many times since being "clipped". As a matter of fact I flew home to Michigan after my brain surgery in Texas. I have never had a problem.
Submitted by Amy Marin: I can add that I have 12 titanium clips ( Feb '07) & flew without incident ( July '08)
Submitted by John Hanson: I had my aneurysm- left anterior communicating artery- coiled in August 2001 at age 48, had to learn to walk & talk, etc. etc. etc. I live in New Zealand which means we have to fly to get anywhere. I flew the following March to Melbourne, Australia about a four hour flight, then again to Thailand (9 hours) and on to Europe (another 9) in 2005. Nothing happened!
