Coping in hot weather

With temperatures in the UK regularly hitting over 30 degrees during the warmer months, it's more important than ever to be aware of how to look after yourself in hot weather.

 

Dehydration in hydrocephalus

Extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. These mimic a shunt malfunction or blockage, closely monitor for any sudden changes. 

Stay strictly hydrated, drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, set alerts on your phone/devices, children may need extra prompting. 

If symptoms persist despite cooling down and rehydrating, follow the shunt malfunction protocol and seek emergency medical care. 

Avoid diuretic drinks, including alcohol and highly caffeinated drinks. They cause your body to lose fluids much faster.

 

Staying safe with sensory loss

If you have reduced or absent physical sensation you may not feel if skin is burning or overheating. Inspect skin frequently, checking paralysed or desensitised limbs for heat rashes, friction blisters, or minor burns caused by hot surfaces or sweat buildup. Take extra care with sun safety to avoid sunburn:

• Cover up with suitable clothing, sunhat, and sunglasses.  
• Protect children (their skin is more delicate) and keep babies under 6 months entirely out of direct sun.  
• Seek shade, stay sheltered, especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest.
• Use plenty of sunscreen and reapply frequently. Use a minimum SPF 30 suncream with at least 4-star UVA protection.

Wheelchair parts made of metal, vinyl seating, and cushions on can reach scorching temperatures in direct sunlight. Always check the surface temperature with a sensitive part of your hand before sitting or transferring.

 

Monitor medication side effects

Medications commonly prescribed for bladder management (such as oxybutynin) can reduce sweat secretion. This raises the chance of overheating. 

Take medication as prescribed but just be mindful about keeping cool.