Taking special care with body temperature
After a spinal cord injury, the body cannot control temperature very well. Messages about being hot or cold do not reach the brain as they did before the injury, making it difficult for the body to know whether to sweat or shiver. As a result, the body may become too hot or too cold. In particular, people with injuries above the T6 location are susceptible to heat stroke if overheated.
Feeling too hot
Causes
- Staying too long in the sun or outside on a hot day
- Wearing too many layers of clothing
- Using too many blankets
- Using a pool, bath, or shower that is too warm
- Sleeping on a water bed that is too warm
Symptoms
- Headache
- Flushed face
- Feeling thirsty, dizzy, faint, weak, or very tired
- Elevated temperature
- Upset stomach or cramps
Prevention
- Stay in a cool, shady spot if outdoors for a long time.
- Avoid being in direct sun or very hot weather for more than 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Do not drink alcohol, as it increases the loss of body fluids.
- Drink plenty of water and/or juice when out in the heat.
- Use a water spray bottle to keep cool.
- Wear a hat or sun visor.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Avoid very active exercise in hot weather.
Treatment
- Drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water.
- Sponge your body with cool water.
- Remove heavy clothing and blankets.
- Stay in a cool place, near a fan.
- Take your temperature. If it’s over 100.0F, call your doctor.
Feeling too cool
Causes
- Not dressing warmly enough
- Staying in the cold too long
Symptoms
- Shivering above the level of injury
- Pale/white hands, fingers, toes, lips, face
- Body temperature below 97.6
Prevention and treatment
- Move to a warmer place. Be careful not to get too close to a space heater or fire to avoid the risk of getting burned.
- Cover up with warm blankets.
- Dress in layers.
- Wear hats and gloves or mittens.
- Keep skin dry.
- Drink warm liquids such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.