Spontaneous periodic hypothermia

Spontaneous periodic hypothermia is a very rare condition where the body temperature drops suddenly and repeatedly without any obvious cause like cold weather or illness. 'Hypothermia' means abnormally low body temperature — usually below 95°F (35°C) — and in this condition these drops happen on their own, in episodes that come and go over time. This condition is also sometimes called 'episodic spontaneous hypothermia' or, when it occurs alongside excessive sweating, 'Shapiro syndrome' (which involves a specific brain abnormality called agenesis of the corpus callosum). During an episode, a person may feel extremely cold, shiver uncontrollably, sweat heavily, feel confused or drowsy, and have a very slow heart rate. Episodes can last from minutes to days and may happen regularly or unpredictably. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve problems with the part of the brain that controls body temperature, called the hypothalamus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms during episodes and trying to prevent future ones, often using medications that affect the nervous system or hormones. There is currently no cure, but many people can be helped with careful medical management.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What is causing my body temperature to drop, and is there a structural problem in my brain that could explain this?,What tests do I need to rule out other causes of my symptoms?,What medications might help prevent or reduce my episodes, and what are the risks and benefits of each?,What should I do — and what should my family do — when an episode starts?,At what point during an episode should I go to the emergency room?,Are there any known triggers I should try to avoid?,Are there any specialists or research centers that have more experience with this condition?

Common questions about Spontaneous periodic hypothermia