Needing helpful advise

[Becca91280]

My 6 yr old son was diagnosed with Childhood Absence Epilpesy in 2008, at the age of 4. Since then our lives have been a roller coaster ride. The issue we are having at the moment is this horrible heat wave Houston is under right now. So I am hoping someone can give me advise about his seizures and the effects this heat is having on them. Is it normal for him to have an increase in seizures in the heat? I don't remember noticing an increase last summer, but then again, he has had more problems with the seizures this year than before. It's almost like we are starting all over again. He has clusters of seizures when he gets too hot or tired. Once he calms down, cools off or sleeps some, they tend to stop for a while. It's just soooo frustrating because I don't have any answers. His new Epileptologist doesn't seem too helpful and I almost feel like I am bugging them by calling and asking questions. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!!!

[Day]

Hi, Becca. I didn't realize the heat could affect seizures either, but apparently it is, because I'm having way more migraines than I was even a few weeks ago. The only times I have migraines are right before or after a seizure. Almost every morning, I'm waking up with either a headache or migraine. And dizzy.
I'm just north of Houston.

My best advice: Try to keep the house at a STEADY cool temp. Going from 76 to 68 the other day screwed me up. Make sure he's drinking plenty of fluids. ( I can't seem to keep hydrated.) My ceiling fan in my room has been on 24/7. The other day, I was outside, it was hot, and I couldn't get a breath. I came in to the fan, and it was like taking a gulp of fresh air. A*e bandages makes this 'reusable cold compress' you can keep in the freezer, and I love it. It actually gets really cold, though, so use a washcloth on it or something. It feels like gel inside, so it's flexible, perfect for forehead or neck. It's the blue, rectangle one if you're looking for it.

Have you seen those squirt bottles that have a fan made onto them. Those can be a lifesaver, too, when you need something fast. That person must've been an absolute genious who first thought of spraying water thru a fan. I used to keep one on me all the time. I may need to break it out.

[Nakamova]

Hi Becca91280, welcome to CWE!

A number of CWE members have mentioned heat and temperature change as seizure trigger, so it's very possible that your son is similarly affected. Additional heat-related triggers are things like dehydration and low blood sugar, and excessive sweating can sometimes lower medication amounts and the seizure threshold.

It must be hard in the heat wave, but do what you can to keep your guy cool and away from intense heat and or humidity. Some meds can also have a dehydrating effect, so it's very important to keep hydrated -- not just water but something like Gatorade so electrolyte levels can be maintained.

Below are some threads from the CWE archives that talk about heat or hot water as a trigger:
Hot or Cold Weather / Climates - Seizure Triggers?
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/...%20shower.html
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/...0seizures.html

As an aside, many have found that absence seizures respond well to dietary changes -- I don't know if you've already tried that route but it might be something to consider. More info here: http://www.atkinsforseizures.com/

Best,
Nakamova

[Nakamova]

A*e bandages makes this 'reusable cold compress' you can keep in the freezer, and I love it. It actually gets really cold, though, so use a washcloth on it or something. It feels like gel inside, so it's flexible, perfect for forehead or neck. It's the blue, rectangle one if you're looking for it.

There are also these special cooling handkerchiefs that are great. You just soak them cold water to activate them, and them put them on your neck. They stay cool for hours, and you can just re-soak them as needed. There are many different brands, but here's a link to one:

Amazon.com: Chill-Its 6602 Cooling Towel, Blue: Home Improvement

 

Amazon.com: Chill-Its 6602 Cooling Towel, Blue: Home Improvement