Latest news with #HotWaterEpilepsy
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why this 12-year-old collapsed every time he took a hot bath, doctor reveals the answer
In a part of rural Andhra Pradesh, 12-year-old Sai Teja 's mornings started like many others: foggy air, piping hot water, and the comfort of a bath that shook off the winter chill. But hidden in this routine was a danger no one saw coming. Every time hot water touched his head, Sai would feel dizzy, his vision would blur, and before anyone could act, he'd collapse. What began as occasional fainting turned into episodes of full-body stiffness, unconsciousness, and bruises from sudden falls. His parents, alarmed and confused, watched their otherwise healthy, intelligent son spiral into a mystery they couldn't solve. Why did no one suspect something serious? At first, there were all the common guesses. Was it the sudden heat? A drop in blood pressure? Winter dehydration? Or just a phase? Doctors in nearby clinics chalked it up to 'too hot water' or 'weakness,' suggesting simple tweaks like cooler baths or earlier meals. But the truth was far more complicated—and dangerously overlooked. It took several falls, a near head injury, and months of unanswered questions before Sai's parents sought a specialist's opinion in Hyderabad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo At the heart of the diagnosis was Dr Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist who didn't dismiss the pattern. After careful observation, Sai underwent an EEG test, which finally gave a name to the fear: Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE). Unlike regular epilepsy, which can strike without warning, HWE is a reflex epilepsy. That means it gets triggered only by a specific action, in this case, hot water being poured over the head. Strikingly, it's more common than many realise in certain parts of South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Hot water epilepsy Hot Water Epilepsy might sound unusual, but in regions where bathing habits include pouring hot water over the head, especially during winter, cases surface quietly and often go undiagnosed. The exact cause isn't fully known, but neurologists believe the sudden temperature change on the scalp can overstimulate sensitive neurons in the brain, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. The EEG often shows abnormal spikes in brain activity immediately after exposure. What's important to know is this: HWE is real, diagnosable, and treatable. It's not a psychological issue or a response to fear—it's a neurological reaction. World Cancer Day: 10-year-old boy becomes 'doctor for a day' at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute Once Sai was diagnosed, everything changed. He was prescribed mild anti-seizure medication, but what helped more were the lifestyle adjustments. His family was advised to: Use lukewarm water for bathing Avoid pouring water directly over the head Say no to steam rooms or saunas That was it. No complex treatments. No hospital stays. Just simple steps—rooted in awareness. And it worked One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
A boy kept fainting during baths. Hyderabad doctor reveals this rare disease is found in many parts of south India
Dr Sudhir Kumar recently shared how a 12-year-old patient of his fainted while taking a bath during winters. In rural India, where winters are marked by foggy mornings and the warmth of steaming baths, a seemingly harmless routine turned life-altering for a young boy. What started as dizziness during hot water baths spiralled into sudden blackouts, stiffened limbs, and fainting episodes that baffled his family. It wasn't until years later that a diagnosis finally put their fears to rest, revealing a rare condition that few know even exists: Hot Water Epilepsy. Twelve-year-old Sai Teja (name changed), a bright and cheerful student from a small town in Andhra Pradesh, had spent three winters haunted by mysterious spells that followed his morning bath. A lover of cricket and top of his class, Sai's vibrant personality stood in sharp contrast to the strange episodes that unfolded only when hot water touched his head. Initially brushed off as fainting spells or cold-weather reactions, his condition grew more concerning when he collapsed in the bathroom, injuring himself. Local doctors provided vague explanations, suggesting cooler baths or dismissing the incidents altogether. But it wasn't until his worried parents took him to a neurologist in Hyderabad that things began to make sense. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, who treated the case and later shared the experience on X (formerly Twitter), conducted a thorough examination. While the MRI scan came back normal, the EEG revealed abnormal brain activity. The answer was clear: Sai was suffering from Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE), a rare form of reflex epilepsy primarily seen in young boys from South India, especially Andhra Pradesh. — hyderabaddoctor (@hyderabaddoctor) Unlike typical epilepsy, HWE is triggered not by random brain activity but by a very specific stimulus—hot water poured over the head. Once diagnosed, the condition is manageable. Sai was prescribed anti-seizure medication, and his family was advised on practical changes: use lukewarm water for baths, avoid pouring hot water on the head, and steer clear of steam-heavy these changes in place, Sai has remained seizure-free for over two years. His confidence has returned, and he's back to thriving now, prepping for a school quiz championship and living life to the fullest.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
A boy kept fainting during baths. Hyderabad doctor reveals this rare disease is found in many parts of south India
Sai Teja, a twelve-year-old from Andhra Pradesh, suffered mysterious spells after hot water baths. Doctors initially dismissed his condition. Eventually, a neurologist in Hyderabad diagnosed him with Hot Water Epilepsy. This rare condition is triggered by hot water poured over the head. Sai is now seizure-free with medication and lifestyle changes. He is thriving and preparing for a school quiz. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In rural India, where winters are marked by foggy mornings and the warmth of steaming baths, a seemingly harmless routine turned life-altering for a young boy. What started as dizziness during hot water baths spiralled into sudden blackouts, stiffened limbs, and fainting episodes that baffled his family. It wasn't until years later that a diagnosis finally put their fears to rest, revealing a rare condition that few know even exists: Hot Water Epilepsy Twelve-year-old Sai Teja (name changed), a bright and cheerful student from a small town in Andhra Pradesh , had spent three winters haunted by mysterious spells that followed his morning bath. A lover of cricket and top of his class, Sai's vibrant personality stood in sharp contrast to the strange episodes that unfolded only when hot water touched his brushed off as fainting spells or cold-weather reactions, his condition grew more concerning when he collapsed in the bathroom, injuring himself. Local doctors provided vague explanations, suggesting cooler baths or dismissing the incidents altogether. But it wasn't until his worried parents took him to a neurologist in Hyderabad that things began to make Sudhir Kumar , who treated the case and later shared the experience on X (formerly Twitter), conducted a thorough examination. While the MRI scan came back normal, the EEG revealed abnormal brain activity. The answer was clear: Sai was suffering from Hot Water Epilepsy (HWE), a rare form of reflex epilepsy primarily seen in young boys from South India, especially Andhra typical epilepsy, HWE is triggered not by random brain activity but by a very specific stimulus—hot water poured over the head. Once diagnosed, the condition is manageable. Sai was prescribed anti-seizure medication, and his family was advised on practical changes: use lukewarm water for baths, avoid pouring hot water on the head, and steer clear of steam-heavy these changes in place, Sai has remained seizure-free for over two years. His confidence has returned, and he's back to thriving now, prepping for a school quiz championship and living life to the fullest.
