With the clocks gone back, the jumpers out of the wardrobe, and summer feeling like a distant memory, now might seem like an unusual time to talk about heatwaves. But as climate change continues to bring more frequent periods of extreme heat - as we seen in Ireland during the summer - researchers are increasingly exploring what this could mean for people living with epilepsy.
A recent study involving Dr. Omar Mamad and Prof. David C. Henshall of RCSI/FutureNeuro in Dublin has added an intriguing new piece to this puzzle by exploring the question Could epilepsy affect the brain's ability to regulate temperature?
Prof Henshall and Dr. Mamad may be familiar to many people reading this article - as both have led Epilepsy-Ireland funded research projects. You can read more about their work and other Epilepsy Ireland-funded research projects by visiting the 'Research' section of our website.
What did the researchers do?
The team used an experimental mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, which resembles the most common form of focal epilepsy in adults. They measured differences in brain temperature over time and examined the hypothalamus, a deep brain region that, among its many functions, plays a central role in controlling body temperature.
They also analysed hundreds of MRI scans from people with epilepsy to investigate whether similar differences could be seen in the human brain.
What were the main findings?
The study found that brain temperature increased in mice before chronic epilepsy developed and remained elevated once epilepsy was established.
The researchers also noticed changes in two specific hypothalamic regions involved in temperature regulation. These regions showed signs of inflammation, contained fewer nerve cells, and were smaller in size. When looking at the corresponding parts in brain scans of people with epilepsy, they noted that they too were smaller than in people without the condition.
Why does this matter?
The study does not prove that disrupted temperature regulation causes epilepsy, or vice versa. However, it points to a potential link between epilepsy and the parts of the brain that help keep body temperature stable, suggesting that temperature regulation may be a previously overlooked aspect of epilepsy.
As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the effect of extreme temperatures on people with neurological conditions such as epilepsy is increasingly important to understand. For many people living with epilepsy, the idea that hot weather can affect wellbeing or seizure management may already feel familiar. Research like this helps us better understand why that might be the case.
Further Information
To read more about this study in more detail, visit the 'Epilepsia' website. We will continue to monitor emerging research in this area and provide further updates on our website and social media channels. In fact, we have previously highlighted the growing research on the relationship between climate change, heat, and epilepsy. This included a presentation by Prof Sanjay Sisodiya at the International Epilepsy Congress in Dublin 2023, which you can watch in the video below:
If you are living with epilepsy or supporting a loved one living with the condition and are planning a trip to hotter climates over the winter months, you can see our tips for staying safe in the sun by visiting the 'News' section of our website - or visit our 'Holidays & Travel' page on our website for further information which may be of support.
As aways, if you need information or support for yourself or a loved one living with epilepsy, please do not hesitate to contact your local Community Resource Officer by visiting the 'Our Local Service' page of our website.