Introduction
After a spinal cord injury the body cannot control temperature very well. Messages about being hot or cold do not reach the brain like before the injury. This makes it difficult for the body to know whether to sweat or shiver. As a result, the body may become too hot or too cold. People with injuries above T6 are susceptible to heat stroke if overheated.
Overheating
Causes of Overheating
- Staying out in the sun or outside on a hot day too long
- Wearing too many layers of clothing
- Using too many blankets
- Sleeping on a water bed that is too warm
- Using a pool, bath or shower that is too warm
Signs of Overheating
- Headache, flushed face
- Dizzy, faint
- Very tired or weak
- Elevated temperature
- Upset stomach, cramps
- Thirsty
If overheating happens, consider the following
- Drink plenty of cool fluids (water)
- Sponge your body with cool water
- Remove heavy clothing, blankets
- Stay in a cool place, near a fan
- Take your temperature; if over 100.0, call your doctor
Prevention is the best option!
- 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 (it increases loss of body fluids)
- Drink plenty of water and/or juice when out in the heat
- Use 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
Lowered Body Temperature
Causes
- Not dressing warmly enough
- Staying in the cold too long
Signs that Body Temperature is Low
- Shivering above the level of injury
- Pale/white hands, fingers, toes, lips, face
- Body temperature below 97.6
If Body Temperature is too Low, Consider the Following
- Move to a warmer place.
- Remember not to let your body get too close to a space heater or fire...you might get burned.
- Cover up with warm blankets
- Dress in layers
- Wear hats and gloves/mittens
- Keep skin dry
- Drink warm liquids like coffee, tea, hot chocolate
