Cold Intolerance & Epilepsy - Epilepsy Message Board

SentenceDoing · 02-08-2007, 08:28 AM

Hello,
Has anyone here developed an intolerance to cold temperatures with their Epilepsy? I'm very intolerant of the cold. I get cold when others think the temperature is warm (anything below 75 starts to feel too cold to me without the sunlight-- below 70 feels too cold with sunlight), and I just hate being cold SO MUCH. I don't mind being too hot- I love when it's 95 degrees outside and I'm sweating like crazy, but I HATE being cold. And I've been thinking about it and it seems that my intolerance to the cold started when my Epilepsy developed about 13 years ago. I read about cold intolerance on the internet, and it doesn't seem to be tied to anything neurological, but I was wondering if anyone else here has experienced this...

Thanks!

Autumnrain12 · 02-08-2007, 04:46 PM

I am very intolerant to the cold. But I can't say it has anything to do with the epilepsy.

I am like you, my hubby says I could be freezing in 70 weather. I know it is just the way I am.

aussie308 · 02-08-2007, 05:23 PM

The cold never used to bother me, now I like you freeze if it's under 70. I get very cold after a seiz. even if it's 90 out and I'm sweating I still want a blanket. But I'm a lot less able to bear cold weather even on a daily basis. I also sometimes get cold before a seiz. if it's hot out. I don't know if it's the epilepsy or if it has something to do with all the meds.

SentenceDoing · 02-09-2007, 11:27 AM

Thanks for your replies!

Travis from MN · 02-09-2007, 01:21 PM

I'll agree with Aussie. It has a LOT to do with meds. I have a hunch in my case it is the Topamax (one of my meds). Recent temps of -20's (AIR TEMP) and some pretty cold Wind Chills, we had 63 hours continual negative air temps up here. Not bad when you go out. Just remember to layer the clothing, cover exposed skin, and I was fine.

Keeping on the line of Topa, it keeps me from perspiring, so that is how the medication has an effect on the bodies temprate even in hot conditions. I noted I had to adjust my room temp up closer to 80 to feel ok. However I insist on wearing short sleeve shirts inside, even in the winter.

Outside when walking I'm fine in cold temps, as long as I have enough layers on, or if I keep active in these winters. I think part of it is what a person is adapted to for "normal". I don't think I could take months of 90+ temps being from the northern plains. A few weeks of it in the summer is enough for me, maybe a handfull of days that could hit 100.

--Travis