Neurology
How will Climate Change Affect Neurological Conditions?
Climate change, in particular rising temperatures, may impact on neurological conditions in multiple ways; it may affect the incidence of some neurological disorders, it may worsen symptoms for those with pre-existing conditions, and those with some neurological conditions may be less able to adapt their behaviour to the changing environment.
High temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke, which can result in neurological manifestations such as encephalopathy and seizures. Some neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and autonomic dysfunction, as well as some medications taken by neurology patients can result in impaired thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
High temperatures can also exacerbate symptoms of some neurological disorders, for example dementia, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Cognitive impairment can additionally impact on a person’s ability to react to extreme weather such as high temperatures or flooding, therefore people with dementia may be less likely to seek help in an emergency or drink more water when it is hot, for example.
How is Neurology Affecting Climate Change?
As with many other medical specialities, neurology departments will be contributing to the NHS’s large carbon footprint, for example through the use of medications (medicines are responsible for 25% of emissions from the NHS) and through patient travel (responsible for 5%).
Neurology departments additionally often conduct many scans for patients. CT and MRI scanners produce significant carbon emissions, through their use and through manufacturing and installation. As much as two thirds of the energy consumption of a CT scanner occurs when it is idle, therefore energy efficiency may be improved by, for example, efficient scheduling of patients.
Discussion Ideas with Patient Carers and Colleagues
Carers:
"People with dementia may be at higher risk of heatstroke when it gets hot. [The patient] may not remember to take layers off or to drink enough water, so it is important that they have sufficient care and support, especially during hot periods."
Colleagues
"It may be worthwhile looking into the energy efficiency of our scanners. Are we managing patient appointments efficiently to avoid idle time?"
Highest Impact Actions for Neurology Departments
Embed climate change and sustainable healthcare discussions in regular educational and governance meetings.
If a scan isn’t clinically essential, consider the environmental impact of the scan itself and patient travel to the scan in your decision-making.
Consider whether patient appointments can be done over the phone, or whether patients’ clinic appointments can be coordinated with imaging or blood test appointments in order to reduce the environmental impact of travel.
For More Information
Visit the Centre For Sustainable Healthcare Network Platform to link with like-minded individuals and for additional resources