- By Prerna Targhotra
- Sat, 07 Dec 2024 04:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Winters And Neurological Disorders: Cold weather can to a great extent affect patients suffering from neurological disorders. Lower temperatures exert effects on the nervous system and worsen symptoms of several neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, migraines and neuropathies. Recognizing the effects of cold on the patients and caregivers is of utmost importance as they can help treat the symptoms with immediate effect during this season.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Vinit Banga, Director-Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad explained how cold weather can affect the nervous system and neurological diseases in individuals.
Winters And Neurological Disorders
According to Dr Banga, one of the most commonly influenced neurological conditions in cold weather is MS. Cold temperatures can increase MS patients' muscle stiffness and spasticity, making movement and daily tasks burdensome. Cold weather also hampers circulation and aggravates sensations of numbness or tingling that may be felt in MS patients.
Cold weather manifests motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Restricted movement and locomotive activity during the winter months can further contribute to muscle stiffness and less mobility. Cold weather disturbs the patient's ability to regulate their body temperature, hence adding to discomfort.
Winter And Neurological Diseases (Image Credits: Canva)
For migraine sufferers, winter may mean more frequent or severe episodes. Sharp temperature changes, icy winds, and room heating are cold triggers that all lead to vascular changes in the brain and subsequently trigger migraines. The same weather influences may lead to further dehydration or poor air quality, thereby increasing the risk of headaches.
Peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage of the hands/feet, is easily aggravated by cold temperatures. Peripheral blood flow to the extremities reduces blood flow and may increase pain, numbness, and hypersensitivity. Neglecting the psychological burden of cold weather is incomplete. Winter can also affect people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression brought about by reduced amounts of sunlight.
