The effects of climate change can be felt around the world. Global temperatures are trending warmer than ever, with temperature extremes impacting everything from crops, weather and our health.
While everyone needs to be precautious when spending time in the heat, people with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and dementia need to be even more alert, warns Shana Krstevska, M.D., a neurologist at Henry Ford Health.
“Many neurological conditions affect the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature,” says Dr. Krstevska. “As we anticipate a trend of warmer temperatures, it is important for people to take necessary precautions because of their increased risk for heat stroke and other heat-induced illnesses.”
Why Temperature Changes Impact Neurological Conditions
Temperature change trigger specific problems for neurological patients. Research shows that approximately 80% of MS patients experience heat intolerance related to nerve and spine damage caused by their condition.
“These patients often develop a temporary worsening of neurological symptoms that occur when their body temperature fluctuates – called Uhthoff’s phenomenon,” says Dr. Krstevska. “Even slight temperature increases can cause significant symptoms flares.”
Parkinson’s disease patients present equally concerning challenges. About 65% of patients experience thermodysregulation, or the inability to control body temperature effectively. This can make patients more sensitive to changes in temperature – potentially causing blood pressure fluctuations and altered sweating patterns.
Medications can add another layer of complexity. Many drugs used to manage neurological conditions, particularly anticholinergic medications for Parkinson’s disease, can impact how your body is able to handle heat. These medications work to reduce muscle spasms and tremors, but also impact gland secretion – meaning they interfere with the body’s ability to sweat and regulate body temperature.
Recognizing Signs Of Heat-Related Illness
Neurology At Henry Ford
If you have a health condition that impacts the body’s ability to cool down, be aware of health changes that could indicate heat-related illness. Here, Dr. Krstevska shares some symptoms patients and caregivers should look out for:
- Increased fatigue (beyond normal levels)
- Sudden muscle weakness
- Unexplained swelling
- Confusion or disorientation
- Pain
- Dizziness
High temperatures can also disrupt your sleep, which can trigger migraines and lower seizure thresholds in susceptible patients.
How To Protect Yourself From The Heat If You Have A Neurological Condition
When your body’s temperature regulation system fails, protecting yourself in warmer weather is necessary. Dr. Krstevska recommends these best practices:
- Avoid the hottest times of day. Schedule outdoor activities in the mornings or evenings to avoid midday heat.
- Drink more water. To prevention dehydration, aim to drink at least 2 liters of water (about 8 cups) each day. Remember, alcohol and coffee can increase dehydration. For optimal hydration, make sure to replenish fluids with water instead of juice or soft drinks.
- Dress for the weather. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and use a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Take precautions when exercising. Consider cooling jackets, damp towels or portable fans to keep yourself cool during physical activity. If you tend to workout outdoors, moving activities inside to avoid the heat may be best.
- Avoid hot or high humidity environments. Hot yoga, saunas and hot tubs can all cause you to overheat quickly, exasperating symptoms.
- Talk to your doctor about vitamin deficiencies. Copper, vitamin D and vitamin B12 all provide a protective response to heat, but a deficiency can cause low energy and fatigue. Talk to your doctor to see if a supplement would be beneficial.
While the warmer trending temperatures are a concern for people with certain neurological conditions, this isn’t the only temperature extreme to consider. In most cases, these same health conditions can make it difficult to regulate body temperature during cold months as well.
Dr. Krstevska advises families to work together by monitoring weather forecasts and openly communicating about symptom changes to help protect loved ones from climate-related health complications year-round.
“Having support from those around you is an important part in managing climate-related neurological symptoms,” says Dr. Krstevska. “Family and friends may be able to spot health changes and help you in regulating your body temperature.”
Reviewed by Dr. Shana Krstevska, a neurologist who sees patients at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Center - Royal Oak.
