Why winter triggers more seizures: Experts explain how to recognise and manage them safely

As India enters peak winter and neurological OPDs report an increase in seizure-related complaints, neurologists are urging households to recognise early warning indicators and perceive how way of life shifts, particularly in colder months can quietly increase the danger of episodes.

In keeping with the World Well being Organisation (WHO), almost 50 million folks worldwide reside with epilepsy and a big proportion stay untreated as a result of lack of expertise about how seizures really current. Whereas most individuals think about seizures as dramatic falls and convulsions, consultants say many episodes are way more refined, one thing that contributes to sufferers going undiagnosed for years.

Seizures aren’t at all times dramatic and that’s why they get missed

Dr Shivraj Hunge, Guide, Neurology at Jupiter Hospital (Pune) mentioned that seizures end result from “sudden bursts of irregular electrical exercise within the mind” and might have an effect on consciousness, motion, behaviour and even sensations.

Dr Hunge mentioned that seizures broadly fall into two classes focal and generalised, relying on the place the irregular exercise begins. “Focal conscious seizures could contain “odd smells, uncommon emotions or sudden temper shifts whereas the individual stays acutely aware.” Focal impaired-awareness seizures could cause temporary confusion, repetitive behaviours like hand rubbing or lip-smacking and partial lack of consciousness. These episodes could final seconds to minutes and might generally progress into generalised seizures,” Dr Hunge added.

Generalised seizures, however, have an effect on each mind hemispheres. Dr Hunge mentioned that generalised seizures are those that happen on each side of the mind on the similar time and they’re extra prone to have extra seen signs. “Probably the most well-known one is tonic-clonic seizure, which is often initiated by physique rigidity and is then proceeded by jerking motions in a rhythmic method. Air consumption would possibly grow to be intermittent and a time of confusion or deep sleep often succeeds,” he added.

Absence seizures that are frequent amongst youngsters manifest themselves as temporary spells of staring which final only some seconds and by which the kid fails to reply though she or he nonetheless has open eyes.

Atypical absence seizures are extended and might comprise such small actions as blinking and slight twitching of the muscle tissue. Different generalised varieties are myoclonic seizures that are characterised by sudden spasmodic contractions of the muscle tissue and atonic seizures, the place the muscle tissue free their tone and this will lead to a sudden fall.

Each sort of seizure has its personal risks, together with trauma or a long-term disorientation which is why it’s essential to determine it as quickly as doable.

Epilepsy vs a single seizure: A serious public false impression

Dr Tarun Mathur, Senior Guide, Neurology at Paras Well being (Udaipur) emphasised that not each seizure means epilepsy.

“A single seizure can happen as a result of fever, an infection, excessive stress or lack of sleep. Epilepsy is recognized solely when seizures recur with out a right away set off,” he mentioned, calling the misunderstanding a significant driver of stigma.

He provides that many seizures are so refined that caregivers don’t recognise them: “Episodes of staring, jerks of the arms or legs, unresponsiveness or temporary confusion are sometimes neglected, delaying remedy for years.”

Why winter is a high-risk season for folks liable to seizures

Seasonal adjustments, together with shorter daytime and colder temperatures, can disrupt sleep cycles—one of many strongest seizure triggers. Dr Mathur mentioned winter brings a cluster of danger elements collectively:

*Disturbed sleep routines

*Elevated display time

*Larger incidence of flu and infections

*Dehydration from extended heater use

*Festive-season stress and irregular meals

“Even short-term way of life disruptions throughout winter, missed meals or inconsistent medicine can set off seizures in weak people,” he warned.

“Way of life habits matter greater than folks suppose. Each neurologists agree that way of life administration is an important a part of seizure prevention,” he added.

Dr Hunge highlighted sleep hygiene as a “crucial issue,” including that sleep deprivation is among the many commonest triggers. Stress administration, common train, hydration and balanced meals additionally assist regulate mind exercise, particularly for these liable to metabolic imbalances.

He cautions in opposition to “alcohol binges, leisure drug use, and sudden withdrawal from caffeine or sedatives,” which might destabilise the mind’s electrical rhythm.

For these already recognized with epilepsy, strict medicine adherence is non-negotiable. “Skipping doses could cause breakthrough seizures in individuals who have been steady for months,” Dr Hunge mentioned.

What to do if somebody is having a seizure

Dr Mathur outlines easy however crucial steps:

*Shield the individual from harm

*Flip them on their facet

*Take away close by objects

*Stick with them till restoration

*Don’t restrain them

*Don’t put something of their mouth

“Search emergency care if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if the individual doesn’t regain consciousness,” he mentioned.

“With consciousness and help, most individuals reside regular lives Regardless of widespread myths, each medical doctors stress that epilepsy is manageable. With well timed prognosis, the correct medicine, and small however constant way of life selections, notably throughout high-risk seasons, folks with epilepsy can work, examine and reside independently.”

“Societal acceptance and understanding play as massive a task as medical remedy,” Dr Mathur added.