Seasonal changes in temperature can significantly impact individuals living with epilepsy, influencing not only the frequency but also the severity of their seizures. Research has shown that both extremely cold and hot weather conditions may act as environmental triggers, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
These temperature fluctuations can disrupt the body's internal balance, affecting crucial elements such as sleep patterns, stress levels, and the metabolism of antiepileptic medications—all of which are vital for seizure control.
During winter, the combination of shorter daylight hours and the psychological effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can lead to disturbed sleep patterns, a well-known trigger for seizures. According to Dr Kunal Bahrani, Director of Neurology at Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad, the winter months also bring an increased risk of infections like the flu. Such illnesses can raise body temperature and indirectly increase the likelihood of seizures in vulnerable patients.
Dr Bahrani points out that the intense heat of summer poses its own challenges. Dehydration and disturbances in electrolyte balance, particularly among those engaging in physical or outdoor activities, can significantly lower the seizure threshold. He says that high temperatures may also impair the effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs, especially when patients experience vomiting or diarrhoea, reducing drug absorption.
Dr Bahrani further points out that seasonal changes often lead to disruptions in routine, particularly due to travel, holidays, or altered daily schedules, which may result in missed medication doses. This break in medication compliance inadvertently raises the risk of seizure episodes. Additionally, environmental factors like pollen or increased air pollution—both of which are more pronounced during certain seasons—can indirectly contribute to seizure frequency by adding extra physical stress to the body.
However, Dr Bahrani stresses that individual responses to seasonal and temperature variations differ greatly. He advises that patients and carers should closely monitor these changes and adjust daily habits, hydration practices, and medication adherence accordingly. Physicians, too, must consider these seasonal influences when tailoring epilepsy management plans, ensuring a proactive approach to maintaining seizure control throughout the year.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
