The soaring temperatures in the summers not only affect your overall health
but particularly may also affect your brain functioning in the long term. High
temperature leads to dehydration and the reduced water content are linked to cause stress anxiety, severe and recurrent headaches, ultimately causing confusion and brain related ailments in the longer run.

“Summers bring immense rise in temperature that worsens headaches, one of the most common ailments. Moreover, as the use of perfumes and deodorants increase in summers, most of the persons allergic to it have severe levels of induced headaches. Elderly population find it hard during the summers, as dehydration not only reduces their water levels but also the sweat depletes the sodium levels. Insufficient sodium levels leads to weakness, confusion, slurry speech which may be accompanied by seizures and be fatal. It is thus advised especially for the elderly population to stay well hydrated and avoid direct sunlight exposure” said Dr Chandril Chugh, Senior consultant and Interventional Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.

Summer months causes excessive fluid losses which can severely affect the brain in most scary ways. Dehydration is one of the most vital causes known to cause impaired drainage of veins in the brain, leading to a condition known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Such kind of strokes can be life threatening and cause irreversible damage affecting the complete body like paralysis.

“High temperatures are also an enemy for existing migraine sufferers, which can worsen their condition. People with physically active jobs, sports persons and athletes are at a very high risk of dehydration with over a litre loss of water from their body every hour. Consuming water at frequent and regular intervals may decrease the symptoms of headache due to exposure to sun” he added.

Amidst all the chaos, brain fog is one of the most common symptoms that high temperature affects the brain. Such instances can happen to anyone with symptoms including loss of attention and concentration in the midst of a conversation.

In summers water is the key element to prevent major complications. Choosing an electrolyte based solution can also work wonders but need to be beware of the sugar content. It is advised for an average healthy person to consume at least 2-3 litres of water a day.

About the author- Dr Chandril Chugh, Senior consultant and Interventional Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket