How to stay cool in the heat

When does a heatwave become a health issue?

As the UK experiences its third heatwave in as many months, many people will be feeling uncomfortable in the extreme heat. With the recent coverage of heatwave health risks, those with epilepsy may be wondering what this means for them.

For people with neurological conditions, rising temperatures can be a cause for concern. In fact, a survey carried out by the Epilepsy Society showed that 62 per cent of people with epilepsy experience an increase in their seizure activity during unusually hot weather.

If you have epilepsy, particularly if you know your epilepsy is sensitive to heat, you may be feeling anxious about the summer ahead. If you are experiencing more seizures during extreme temperatures, speak to your healthcare team. We know the hot weather brings challenges, so here are our top tips on keeping cool and staying safe:

Water for wellbeing

Keeping hydrated is key when temperatures rise. Dehydration affects many processes in the body and can make epilepsy worse. Always keep a supply of water with you wherever you go and be aware you will need to drink more than normal. Alcohol intake should also be limited, since it can lead to dehydration. 

Some people can develop an electrolyte disorder called hyponatraemia from certain anti-seizure medications and they may have been advised to restrict their fluids, so please discuss this with your doctor if this is the case for you. 

Putting your feet in cold water, wetting your clothing, or misting your skin, are also good ways to use water to keep cool. Or why not put a wet flannel or towel in the freezer? This can be an effective cooling aid when placed on your neck. 

It can be tempting to head to the pool when the temperature spikes. But be aware that open water can often be much colder than it looks, which can lead to cold water shock. Remember, if you have epilepsy, it’s important not to swim alone and to make sure you tell the lifeguard you have epilepsy. 

Medication must-do

Where do you normally store your medicine? Many of us have a go-to place that’s easy for us to remember and access, but that location might not be suitable for summer. It’s crucial to keep medicines out of hot cars and direct sunlight. Bags and pockets can also get warm enough to cause problems. 

Find a cool, dark place to store your medicines. If you can, make sure they are kept below 25° C. If storage instructions state it needs to be refrigerated, then please follow that guidance.

You may want to think about a cool bag to help protect your medications from the effects of overheating. Insulated bags are widely available through many different online retailers. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about storing your specific medication. 

You know your body, and your epilepsy

Perhaps you’ve already followed the heatwave checklist. You have a fan on to keep the air circulating, the blinds or curtains are drawn with the windows shut during the hottest part of the day, and you’ve removed all unnecessary clothing. But you may still have concerns. Don’t keep these to yourself.

Some anti-seizure medicines, such as topiramate and zonisamide, can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. If you are taking these and have any issues, it’s important you raise these with your doctor. 

The main message is this: listen to your own body. You know the warning signs. Don’t try to ‘push through’. If you are feeling in any way weak, dizzy, or overheated, take a break. Tell someone how you are feeling. 

Speak to your doctor, ask family and friends for support, or call our helpline on 0300 102 0024.