The mercury is reaching record levels in the country. The scorching sun and heatwave are no longer limited to just scorching the skin, but it is directly affecting the mental health and brain functionality of the citizens. The Department of Neurology has issued a warning that considering headache during summer as normal fatigue can prove to be a big medical mistake.

Heatwave Alert: Do not ignore headache, neurologist warns of effect of heat wave on the brain

Headache is not a sign of fatigue, it is a sign of brain dehydration.

According to the consultant neurologist of the hospital, there has been an increase in the number of patients in OPD who are complaining of constant headache, dizziness and heaviness. Often people consider it to be screen time or lack of sleep and take painkillers. Basically, when the outside temperature rises, the body struggles to keep itself cool. In this process, brain tissues start dehydrating, due to which the blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain gets disrupted.

Hospital report: Why is this situation dangerous?

The main technical reasons for the effect of heat on the brain are as follows:

• Lack of oxygen: Due to dehydration, the blood starts thickening, due to which sufficient oxygen does not reach the brain cells.
• Electrolyte imbalance: The loss of sodium and potassium through sweat affects the nerves’ ability to send signals.
• Fluctuations in blood pressure: Due to extreme heat, blood vessels dilate, due to which sudden drop in BP increases the risk of fainting or stroke.

Expert opinion: what did the doctors say?

Safety advisory: What should citizens do?

In view of the increasing outbreak of heat wave, health experts have issued some important guidelines. Avoid leaving the house between 12 noon and 4 pm. If it is necessary to go out, cover the head with a cotton cloth or cap. Drink water every 30 minutes even if you don’t feel thirsty. Consume ORS or lemon water so that the amount of salt in the body is maintained. If you feel vomiting or high fever along with headache, immediately contact the nearest government hospital or neurologist.