Impact of Heatwaves on Neurological Health in the UAE
Experts explain how rising temperatures exacerbate migraine symptoms and affect conditions like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
As the United Arab Emirates experiences record-high temperatures reaching 50°C, health experts are highlighting the detrimental effects of heatwaves on neurological conditions, particularly migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), and epilepsy.
The physiological responses of the human body to extreme heat can significantly exacerbate the symptoms associated with these conditions.
Dr. Sagar Kawale, a consultant neurologist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital in Al Qusais, explains that heat can initiate or worsen migraines through various physiological mechanisms.
One major factor is vasodilation, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels.
This vasodilation can contribute to the throbbing pain characteristic of migraines.
Furthermore, dehydration, which is common during high-temperature periods, reduces blood volume and disrupts the brain’s electrolyte balance, heightening the risk of migraine onset.
Another often overlooked impact of heat on migraine sufferers is the disruption of sleep patterns.
Poor sleep is a well-known migraine trigger, and the hypothalamus, which is central to regulating body temperature, is closely connected to the migraine pathway.
Therefore, heat stress may interact directly with mechanisms that trigger migraines, according to Dr. Kawale.
Scientific literature supports these claims.
A 2013 study reviewed various environmental triggers that can provoke migraine attacks, emphasizing heat exposure and dehydration as significant factors.
The findings reveal that dehydration can disrupt brain function by altering blood volume and electrolyte balance, thereby increasing the likelihood of migraine episodes.
Multiple sclerosis patients are also adversely affected by extreme temperatures.
MS is a chronic neurological condition that occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
Dr. Rajit Pillai, a specialist in neurology at Aster Clinic in Sharjah, indicates that individuals with MS are particularly sensitive to heat, as even slight increases in body temperature can exacerbate symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, visual disturbances, and cognitive difficulties.
Small increases in body temperature of around 0.5 to 1°C may lead to noticeable symptom flare-ups; however, these heat-induced exacerbations typically resolve when the body cools down.
Heat can also directly impact individuals with epilepsy.
Aside from a rare form known as 'Hot water epilepsy,' where heat is a specific trigger, heat can lower the seizure threshold by causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Extreme heat can lead to conditions like hyperthermia or heatstroke, which may provoke seizures due to stress or injury to the brain.
Additionally, heat can alter the metabolism of anti-seizure medications, particularly when dehydration affects renal or hepatic functions.
Experts also caution about specific warning signs indicating when heat becomes a critical health concern for those suffering from migraines.
Urgent medical attention is advised if individuals experience sudden, severe migraines accompanied by neurological symptoms such as vision loss, weakness, or impairments in speech.
Other warning signs include migraines that do not respond to typical treatments, new or prolonged symptoms lasting more than one hour, and severe sensitivity to light or sound accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially in high-temperature settings.
Dr. Amir Firouzjaei, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, adds that symptoms indicating rising internal heat, such as extreme thirst, absence of urination, dizziness, severe dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, and exhaustion, warrant immediate rehydration to avoid severe health consequences.
To mitigate the effects of heat on those prone to migraines or other neurological conditions, experts recommend practical measures such as maintaining hydration with cool water and electrolyte-rich beverages, avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol and excessive caffeine, and employing cooling techniques, such as cold compresses or portable fans.
Creating an environment conducive to migraine management, involving the use of blackout curtains and minimizing exposure to harsh lighting, is also advised.
For individuals with epilepsy or MS, consulting healthcare professionals for tailored medical advice is crucial, given the unique nature of each case.
The physiological responses of the human body to extreme heat can significantly exacerbate the symptoms associated with these conditions.
Dr. Sagar Kawale, a consultant neurologist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital in Al Qusais, explains that heat can initiate or worsen migraines through various physiological mechanisms.
One major factor is vasodilation, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels.
This vasodilation can contribute to the throbbing pain characteristic of migraines.
Furthermore, dehydration, which is common during high-temperature periods, reduces blood volume and disrupts the brain’s electrolyte balance, heightening the risk of migraine onset.
Another often overlooked impact of heat on migraine sufferers is the disruption of sleep patterns.
Poor sleep is a well-known migraine trigger, and the hypothalamus, which is central to regulating body temperature, is closely connected to the migraine pathway.
Therefore, heat stress may interact directly with mechanisms that trigger migraines, according to Dr. Kawale.
Scientific literature supports these claims.
A 2013 study reviewed various environmental triggers that can provoke migraine attacks, emphasizing heat exposure and dehydration as significant factors.
The findings reveal that dehydration can disrupt brain function by altering blood volume and electrolyte balance, thereby increasing the likelihood of migraine episodes.
Multiple sclerosis patients are also adversely affected by extreme temperatures.
MS is a chronic neurological condition that occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
Dr. Rajit Pillai, a specialist in neurology at Aster Clinic in Sharjah, indicates that individuals with MS are particularly sensitive to heat, as even slight increases in body temperature can exacerbate symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, visual disturbances, and cognitive difficulties.
Small increases in body temperature of around 0.5 to 1°C may lead to noticeable symptom flare-ups; however, these heat-induced exacerbations typically resolve when the body cools down.
Heat can also directly impact individuals with epilepsy.
Aside from a rare form known as 'Hot water epilepsy,' where heat is a specific trigger, heat can lower the seizure threshold by causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Extreme heat can lead to conditions like hyperthermia or heatstroke, which may provoke seizures due to stress or injury to the brain.
Additionally, heat can alter the metabolism of anti-seizure medications, particularly when dehydration affects renal or hepatic functions.
Experts also caution about specific warning signs indicating when heat becomes a critical health concern for those suffering from migraines.
Urgent medical attention is advised if individuals experience sudden, severe migraines accompanied by neurological symptoms such as vision loss, weakness, or impairments in speech.
Other warning signs include migraines that do not respond to typical treatments, new or prolonged symptoms lasting more than one hour, and severe sensitivity to light or sound accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially in high-temperature settings.
Dr. Amir Firouzjaei, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, adds that symptoms indicating rising internal heat, such as extreme thirst, absence of urination, dizziness, severe dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, and exhaustion, warrant immediate rehydration to avoid severe health consequences.
To mitigate the effects of heat on those prone to migraines or other neurological conditions, experts recommend practical measures such as maintaining hydration with cool water and electrolyte-rich beverages, avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol and excessive caffeine, and employing cooling techniques, such as cold compresses or portable fans.
Creating an environment conducive to migraine management, involving the use of blackout curtains and minimizing exposure to harsh lighting, is also advised.
For individuals with epilepsy or MS, consulting healthcare professionals for tailored medical advice is crucial, given the unique nature of each case.