Heatwaves & Brain Injury

Heat waves and brain injuries do not mix. In the UK, heatwaves are projected to become more common. The UK's 10 warmest years have all occurred since 2002, and Met Office projections show that UK summers will continue to become hotter and drier—a trend already visible in the data

“A brain injury can sometimes cause problems with temperature regulation, making it harder for survivors to control their body temperature.”

Some brain injury survivors will be fine at these temperatures, but for most people such extremes can make it harder to manage the symptoms and effects of brain injury. Headway UK reports :

“A brain injury can sometimes cause problems with temperature regulation, making it harder for survivors to control their body temperature.”

Why is heat a problem with brain injuries?

The brain plays a role in the temperature regulation of the body. A specific part of the brain, called the hypothalamus, releases hormones which help to regulate the body’s temperature.

The hypothalamus help you to start sweating if it gets too hot, or to shiver if it gets cold. This means that damage to this part of the brain can impair this process in some people with a brain injury. 

Furthermore, hot temperatures can stop nerve fibres from working properly. “Excessive body heat can also stop nerve fibres from working. This makes it difficult for messages to get to and from the brain.”

How to cope in a heatwave

Many of the familiar tips to keep cool also apply to brain injury survivors. These include:

• keep hydrated
• avoid the sun or going outside during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm
• dress in cooler fabrics, such as linen or cotton

Brain injury survivors may need to learn their heat-sensitivity triggers and have a plan. Often symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, headaches can worsen before the person begins to feel physically hot.

A key tip is: don't wait until you're uncomfortable. Act early, keep a checklist of your personal warning signs and share it with those around you.

Tips for a brain injury survivor

As well as the above, someone with a brain injury would be advised to:

• Remain somewhere with a stable temperature. When we move between hot and cold environments (e.g., between outside and an air-conditioned room), the rapid changes in temperature can overwhelm the hypothalamus's ability to adjust the body's thermoregulatory responses—especially if that part of the brain has been injured—leading to overheating.
• Take care of your skin and scars. Wearing light clothing which covers arms and legs can help to protect us from the heat of the sun. Be sure to keep any scars covered or use sunscreen, as the sun can damage these areas faster.
• Be aware of medication side effects. Some medications have possible side effects which become more common in hot weather, or which can affect other medications.

On a personal note, I find that regular exercise helps me to manage my symptoms. Heat means finding a time to work out or maintain a regime of physio exercises becomes problematic. Planning to do my exercises first thing, when the day is cooler, can help me.

Do you have any tips for managing a brain injury in high temperatures? I'd love to hear from you!