Heatwave and Nervous System: Why is the coming summer dangerous for your nervous system, know which diseases are at risk.

Dizziness and Headache in Heat: Summer can have a variety of effects on our bodies. Let us explain why the upcoming summer is dangerous for your nervous system.

 

What effect does heat have on the brain?

How Extreme Heat Affects The Nervous System: The difference is clearly felt as soon as you step out in the Indian summer. It's not just the heat, but a kind of heaviness that affects the body as well as the mind. Gradually, fatigue increases, concentration starts to wander, and sometimes the situation becomes even more serious. We often talk about dehydration, sunburn, or exhaustion, but in reality, the heat has a direct impact on the brain as well. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating start appearing in the intense heat.

What do experts say?

Speaking to TOI Health, Dr. Shubha Subramanian, senior neurologist at Chennai's Kauvery Hospital, explains that extreme heat and humidity in summer can lead to dehydration and sodium depletion, which can even lead to seizures. Excessive sweating further depletes sodium levels, making the situation even more dangerous. In some cases, heat stroke can also occur, increasing the risk of fainting and seizures. Therefore, especially those with a pre-existing seizure problem should stay hydrated and wear light, loose, and light-colored clothing.

Which people are affected?

Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing neurological conditions are at greater risk. Furthermore, for those who work outdoors for long periods of time, such as delivery workers, traffic police, or street vendors, this problem becomes a daily occurrence. Even indoors are not always a safe environment. Poor ventilation, power outages, or lack of cooling can worsen the situation, affecting mental balance.

Which diseases increase the risk?

According to Dr. Shubha Subramanian, heat also impacts many diseases that we don't often talk about. For example, epilepsy conditions like Dravet syndrome in children can worsen in the heat. Furthermore, extreme heat can cause memory loss, brain fog, and impaired thinking. Symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis can worsen, while dehydration also increases the risk of stroke.

Heat can also be dangerous for people with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as their body's ability to regulate temperature is weakened. For migraine sufferers, sun exposure can trigger headaches. Heat also increases fatigue, making everyday life more difficult.