August is Summer Sun Safety Month, an important reminder for Floridians to protect themselves from the intense summer sun and heat. While most people associate sun safety with sunscreen and preventing skin damage, high temperatures, dehydration, and prolonged sun exposure can also affect the brain and nervous system.
For people living with neurological conditions, Florida’s heat can be more than uncomfortable. In fact, it may contribute to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, balance problems, and the worsening of existing neurological symptoms.
At First Choice Neurology, our neurologists throughout Florida diagnose and treat a wide range of neurological conditions and help patients understand factors including heat that may affect their symptoms.
How Summer Heat Affects the Brain and Nervous System
How Summer Heat Affects the Brain and Nervous SystemYour body works constantly to maintain a stable internal temperature. During hot weather, sweating helps release heat, but it also causes the body to lose water and electrolytes.
When those fluids are not replaced, dehydration can develop. The CDC notes that heat exhaustion(opens in new tab) can cause symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, thirst, heavy sweating, and elevated body temperature. Severe heat illness can affect brain function and may confuse, altered mental status, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
That makes hydration especially important during Florida’s long, hot summers.
Migraines and Headaches
Heat, bright sunlight, dehydration, changes in sleep, and disrupted routines may contribute to headaches or migraine attacks in susceptible individuals.
People who frequently experience migraines should pay attention to their personal triggers. Carrying water, wearing sunglasses and a hat, taking breaks in air-conditioned areas, and limiting prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day may help reduce unnecessary heat stress.
A severe, sudden, or unusual headache, particularly one accompanied by weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or loss of consciousness, requires immediate medical attention.
Multiple Sclerosis and Heat Sensitivity
Heat sensitivity is particularly important for many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research has found that higher temperatures can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in some people with MS.
Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, balance difficulties, numbness, or cognitive problems may become more noticeable when body temperature rises. However, these changes do not necessarily mean that MS itself is progressing. Instead, patients should discuss new, persistent, or worsening symptoms with their neurologist.
First Choice Neurology also operates dedicated Multiple Sclerosis Centers in Miami and Boca Raton. This gives patients access to physicians experienced in the diagnosis and management of MS.
Other Neurological Symptoms Can Be Affected by Summer Heat
People with neurological disorders involving balance, mobility, weakness, or the autonomic nervous system may also find very hot weather more difficult to tolerate.
Heat exhaustion itself can produce neurological-type symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, headache, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can make it harder to distinguish heat-related illness from an existing neurological condition.
If symptoms are new, unusual, persistent, or becoming progressively worse, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Do not assume they are simply caused by the weather.
Neurological Care Throughout Florida
First Choice Neurology is the largest private practice, physician-owned neurology group in the United States, with more than 60 Care Centers across multiple Florida counties and physicians providing services at more than 45 major hospitals.
Our network includes adult and pediatric neurologists with expertise in numerous neurological conditions, including:
• Migraines and headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Stroke
• Neuropathy and nerve disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Tremors
• Dizziness and balance disorders
• Traumatic brain injury and concussion
• Memory and cognitive disorders
• Spine-related neurological conditions
• Muscle weakness and gait disorders
Patients can find First Choice Neurology physicians throughout South Florida and in other regions of the state, including communities in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, Hillsborough, Brevard, Columbia, Alachua, Pasco, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Monroe counties.
Get Neurological Care Without the Long Hospital Wait
One of the advantages of First Choice Neurology’s extensive outpatient network is greater access to neurological specialists without relying solely on a hospital-based neurology system. First Choice Neurology provides patients access to neurological care through more than 60 locations throughout Florida, helping patients avoid long hospital wait times for many non-emergency concerns.
Patients also have access to telehealth options, and First Choice Neurology’s Neuro2Go(opens in new tab) service offers same-day and next-weekday virtual consultations with a board-certified neurologist for certain new neurological concerns.
Of course, symptoms that may represent an emergency, such as signs of stroke, a seizure lasting several minutes, loss of consciousness, severe confusion, or a sudden severe headache, should not wait for an office appointment. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Enjoy the Florida Summer Sunshine Safely
Summer is meant to be enjoyed, but Florida heat deserves respect. Drink plenty of fluids, use sunscreen, wear lightweight protective clothing, seek shade, and schedule outdoor activities during cooler portions of the day whenever possible. Most importantly, listen to your body.
If headaches, dizziness, numbness, weakness, balance problems, tremors, memory changes, or other neurological symptoms are interfering with your daily life, a neurological evaluation may help determine the cause. First Choice Neurology provides comprehensive neurological care throughout Florida.