Due to climate change, increasing heat waves are having a serious impact on the human brain. According to Peopletalk, scientific observations in this area point to an increase in a number of health issues related to brain function.
As noted by Sanjay Sisodia, neurologist at University College London and an epilepsy specialist:
"Heat worsens epilepsy: for example, diseases like Dravet syndrome become even more dangerous at higher temperatures."
Heat waves can lead to premature death: during the 2003 heat wave in Europe, 7% of excess deaths were directly linked to neurological problems.
A similar situation was observed in the UK in 2022: unusually high temperatures increased the incidence of brain-related illnesses.
List of neurological diseases affected by heat:
- epilepsy;
- stroke;
- encephalitis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- migraine;
- and several other neurological disorders.
How does heat’s negative effect on the brain manifest?
- it increases aggression and irritability;
- causes depression and mental low mood;
- affects electrical impulses in nerve cells;
- can alter the effect of medications;
- amplifies climate-related anxiety.
Heat is not only external discomfort but also a factor that can seriously affect the human brain, scientists emphasize. As temperatures rise, attention to mental and neurological health must also increase.
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