Information from: Epilepsy Society
Does your brain cope with heatwaves?
National advocacy and support charity Epilepsy Society has launched a new survey for people with epilepsy.
This new research is to help researchers to help understand the effects of adverse weather conditions, including heatwaves, are having on people with epilepsy.
The survey takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and could provide vital information to help improve safety for those with epilepsy as we all face the challenges of climate change.
Epilepsy and climate change
Climate change is pushing our brains beyond their comfort zones and their capacity to cope. It goes without saying that we must tackle climate change, but it is imperative that we also find ways to adapt to our changing planet.
The charity’s work on climate change and epilepsy is led by Professor Sanjay Sisodiya who is the founding member of Epilepsy Climate Change (EpiCC) and chair of the International League Against Epilepsy Climate Change Commission.
Do you have epilepsy?
Do you ever feel that your brain isn’t coping with the unusually hot temperatures that we are frequently seeing?
It’s not your imagination. As humans, we function best at between 20-26C and at humidities of between 20-80%. When we find ourselves outside our comfort zone, everyday activities can become more of a challenge.
Our brains struggle to regulate temperature and we notice the difference in our ability to function and think straight.
This can be a particular challenge for people with epilepsy, not least because heatwaves can also disturb sleep patterns which in turn can mean seizure control deteriorates.
This is why Epilepsy Society needs your help!
Researchers are carrying out a survey for the charity, to find out about how the weather , including heatwaves, are having on people with epilepsy. The survey takes just 10-15 minutes and could really help improve safety for those with epilepsy as we face the challenges of climate change.
The researchers would also like to know how the weather affects your seizures, whether you live in a city or rural area, whether you have open green spaces and trees around you, and whether you try to regulate the heat in your home by closing the windows and curtains. It would even help to know if you wear a hat.
Your response to the survey will help to find ways to stay safe in extreme weather events. Safety in the sun is about more than sun cream. We depend on our brains. We must do everything we can to protect them.