TRANSPORTATION

🚑 Ambulance / Medical Transport

Use when:

• Experiencing sudden functional paralysis, severe episodes, or non-epileptic seizures needing urgent care
  
  

• You cannot safely transport yourself due to severe immobility or pain
  
  

Considerations:

• Be ready to advocate or educate — not all EMTs are familiar with FND.
  
  

• Have a letter from your neurologist or care team explaining your condition.
  
  

• Some with chronic FND may need non-emergency medical transport to reach appointments — these can be arranged through hospitals or insurance.

🚶‍♀️ Walking

Challenges:

• Gait issues (e.g., unsteadiness, dragging limbs, functional paralysis)
  
  

• Sudden loss of mobility (e.g., collapsing, freezing episodes)
  
  

• Fatigue or dissociation while walking long or short distances
  
  

Considerations:

• Use mobility aids: canes, walkers, rollators — depending on balance and fatigue.
  
  

• Use braces or orthotics if recommended by a physical therapist.
  
  

• Choose accessible routes: smooth surfaces, benches for resting, short distances.
  
  

• Walk with a support person when possible in unpredictable phases.
  
  

🚲 Biking

Challenges:

• Balance problems
  
  

• Muscle weakness, coordination issues
  
  

• Seizure-like episodes or blackouts
  
  

Considerations:

• Stationary bikes are often safer for therapy or exercise at home.
  
  

• Three-wheeled bikes or adaptive bikes may help if balance is an issue.
  
  

• Avoid biking outdoors alone unless symptoms are consistently stable.
  
  

🚗 Driving

Challenges:

• Blackouts, dissociation, non-epileptic seizures
  
  

• Sudden weakness/paralysis while operating the vehicle
  
  

• FND symptoms can fluctuate unpredictably
  
  

Considerations:

• Driving is only safe if cleared by a neurologist.
  
  

• Some regions require reporting conditions like FND to licensing authorities.
  
  

• Consider adaptive driving programs or a driving assessment through occupational therapy.
  
  

• If driving is unsafe, explore alternatives like rideshares, paratransit, or public transport.
  
  

🚌 Public Transit (Bus & Train)

Challenges:

• Navigating crowds, stairs, sudden movements
  
  

• Overstimulation in noisy environments
  
  

• Difficulty with standing balance or transferring between stops
  
  

Considerations:

• Use a mobility aid, request a seat or priority seating.
  
  

• Carry medical alert info (bracelet, card, app).
  
  

• Plan for low-sensory periods (off-peak times).
  
  

• Some transit services offer paratransit or reduced fare programs.
  
  

🚕 Taxi / Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

Benefits:

• Private, flexible, less physically demanding
  
  

• Can be scheduled to pick you up directly from your home
  
  

Tips:

• Request assistance if needed (e.g., help with walker/wheelchair).
  
  

• Use apps that allow you to input medical or mobility needs ahead of time.
  
  

• Keep a medical emergency plan or contact info ready in case of sudden episodes.
  
  

✈️ Air Travel (Plane)

Challenges:

• Long walks in airport terminals
  
  

• Stress, fatigue, overstimulation, and sensory overload
  
  

• Increased symptoms during altitude or pressure changes
  
  

Considerations:

• Request wheelchair assistance and pre-boarding when booking.
  
  

• Inform airline staff ahead of time about FND and possible medical episodes.
  
  

• Carry all medical documents, emergency meds, and comfort tools (noise-canceling headphones, snacks, meds, fidgets).
  
  

• Travel with a companion if possible.
  
  

Bonus: Travel Tips for Unstable Periods

• Always carry a mobility aid, even if symptoms fluctuate.
  
  

• Pack comfort tools: stim toys, headphones, weighted items, sunglasses.
  
  

• Use apps for accessibility, like transit apps with real-time updates or accessible routes.
  
  

• Keep a symptom flare-up card: brief explanation of FND, emergency contact, any do’s/don’ts for responders.