British neuroscientists from University College London have found that periods of hot weather, also known as heat waves, pose a threat to people with epilepsy. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Brain Communication (BrainComms).
A heatwave is defined as three or more consecutive days with temperatures above 28°C.
As part of the medical examination, nine patients underwent intracranial electroencephalography (ICEG), in which small electrodes are placed in their brains to monitor brain activity.
Since the procedures took place during the summer heat, experts had the opportunity to study the relationship between ICEEG readings and outside temperature.
The researchers then compared these data with ICEEG recordings from patients during periods without heat waves, ensuring that all other conditions (except temperature) remained the same.
The team recorded any abnormal electrical activity for four 10-minute periods during and outside of the heatwaves for all participants. They also tracked any epileptic seizures.
It turned out that patients had more seizures during heat waves.
Scientists say people with severe epilepsy are more likely to have seizures in hot weather. The discovery adds to the body of knowledge about the negative impact of climate factors on brain health. Heat waves can worsen conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, migraine, meningitis, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Previous researchers learned Predict epileptic seizures.
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Source: Gazeta
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