Living with Spontaneous periodic hypothermia
A rare nervous system condition with repeated episodes of heavy sweating and low body temperature.
Understanding Spontaneous periodic hypothermia
People also have a missing or underdeveloped corpus callosum, the band of fibers linking the two sides of the brain. The cause is unknown. Ideas include problems in the hypothalamus, chemical differences in the brain, inflammation, and seizure activity. It can begin at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Heavy sweating
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Tremor and trouble walking
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
International Hyperhidrosis Society may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: International Hyperhidrosis Society
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with International Hyperhidrosis Society
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is currently unknown. Suggested ideas include hypothalamus problems, brain chemical changes, inflammation, and seizure activity.
Also known as: episodic spontaneous hypothermia; shapiro syndrome
Patient organizations
- International Hyperhidrosis SocietySpontaneous periodic hypothermia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Spontaneous periodic hypothermia.
Explore research for Spontaneous periodic hypothermia
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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