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Summer seizures
Sun, 04/16/2006 - 20:26I live in the desert of Washington state (yes, there really is a desert in Washington). We have incredibly hot days up here with little humidity. My trigger from April to October is heat. Anything over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and I'm prone for them. Granted, this is my first summer back on meds, and a different course of medication, so I might not have any problems. However, if this summer is anything like last summer, we could have several days over 100 degrees. Anyone have any suggestions?
Mari
Comments
Re: Re: Summer seizures
Submitted by scorpio on Mon, 2006-04-17 - 12:55
I would suggest quite the opposite in fact! I find - I think I am not alone here - that it is a LACK of water that can create an environment conducive to seizures. One of the first things I do when I have hints of seizures approaching - very mild forms of aura - is to drink a glass or two of water: for myself it seems to be the case that a lack of water is a necessary, though not sufficient, condition for the onset of seizures. It has taken the best part of my 52 years to find this out.
As for water 'diluting' the serum levels of AEDs in one's system this will not be surely relevant if most of that water is being lost through the skin, which it obviously will be in dry and hot conditions. The dehydrating effects of alcohol and the like are another matter.
I am afraid I beg to differ here....
Chris
Re: Re: Re: Summer seizures
Submitted by T mama on Mon, 2006-04-17 - 13:45
Nurse here: both dehydration and hyponatremia (effect of drinking too much water) increase the seizure threshold. However, dehydration is much more likely to happen than hyponatremia. An adult with healthy kidneys is not likely to drink too much water in dry hot conditions. A good rule for staying hydrated is the age old 8 - 8 oz cups a day. Diluting the drug would not be an issue unless one is pregnant and has added total blood volume significantly.
Another thought, not medically based, is that perhaps warmer temperatures, less sleep with longer daytime hours, or summer pollens play a role in increasing your seizures. I know that October is my most difficult month of the year, my doctors attribute this to the change in climate and pollens. There is so much to be learned about the brain that to separate diet, allergens, lifestyle, and climatic cycles from the equation of why our brains do silly things is silliness in itself. Anyone agree?
Happy Easter to y'all!
Steph
Re: Summer seizures
Submitted by angel_lts on Mon, 2006-04-17 - 11:43
Mari What meds are you on? When drinking water you need to spread it out. Too much water can dilute your meds and that will cause a seizure too. Just try keep out of the sun as much as possible. take care lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/