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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Heat stroke history and symptoms

Introduction

Overview

Overview

High body temperature (hyperthermia) and dysfunction of the CNS must coexist for the confirmation of the diagnosis of heat stroke. A history of an existing disease, outdoor activity, exposure to heat, extensive exertion and improper hydration may be observed.[1][2][3]

History

History

A detailed history is necessary for the prompt diagnosis of heat stroke. The patient with heat stroke may hav ethe following salient features in the history:[3][4][5]

Non-exertional or Classic Heat Stroke

The history of a patient with classic heat stroke inludes:[6][7][8][9]

Exertional Heat Stroke

A patient with exertional heat stroke may have the following salient features in the history:[10][11]

  • Young age
  • Heavy exercise
  • Humid weather
  • Otherwise helathy individuals
  • Military personnel
  • Athletes
  • Construction workers
Symptoms

Symptoms

The symptoms of a heat stroke include:

References

References

  1. ↑ Simon HB (1994). “Hyperthermia and heatstroke”. Hosp Pract (Off Ed). 29 (8): 65–8, 73, 78–80. PMID 7914522.
  2. ↑ Bricknell MC (1994). “Heat illness in Cyprus”. J R Army Med Corps. 140 (2): 67–9. PMID 8907832.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Leon LR, Bouchama A (2015). “Heat stroke”. Compr Physiol. 5 (2): 611–47. doi:10.1002/cphy.c140017. PMID 25880507.
  4. ↑ Bouchama A, Cafege A, Devol EB, Labdi O, el-Assil K, Seraj M (1991). “Ineffectiveness of dantrolene sodium in the treatment of heatstroke”. Crit Care Med. 19 (2): 176–80. PMID 1989755.
  5. ↑ Klenk J, Becker C, Rapp K (2010). “Heat-related mortality in residents of nursing homes”. Age Ageing. 39 (2): 245–52. doi:10.1093/ageing/afp248. PMID 20093248. Review in: Evid Based Nurs. 2010 Jul;13(3):90-1
  6. ↑ Bouchama A, Knochel JP (2002). “Heat stroke”. N Engl J Med. 346 (25): 1978–88. doi:10.1056/NEJMra011089. PMID 12075060.
  7. ↑ Brody GM (1994). “Hyperthermia and hypothermia in the elderly”. Clin Geriatr Med. 10 (1): 213–29. PMID 8168025.
  8. ↑ Dann EJ, Berkman N (1992). “Chronic idiopathic anhydrosis–a rare cause of heat stroke”. Postgrad Med J. 68 (803): 750–2. PMC 2399451. PMID 1480539.
  9. ↑ Flynn A, McGreevy C, Mulkerrin EC (2005). “Why do older patients die in a heatwave?”. QJM. 98 (3): 227–9. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hci025. PMID 15728404.
  10. ↑ Bendahan D, Kozak-Ribbens G, Confort-Gouny S, Ghattas B, Figarella-Branger D, Aubert M; et al. (2001). “A noninvasive investigation of muscle energetics supports similarities between exertional heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia”. Anesth Analg. 93 (3): 683–9. PMID 11524341.
  11. ↑ Hirshey Dirksen SJ, Larach MG, Rosenberg H, Brandom BW, Parness J, Lang RS; et al. (2011). “Special article: Future directions in malignant hyperthermia research and patient care”. Anesth Analg. 113 (5): 1108–19. doi:10.1213/ANE.0b013e318222af2e. PMC 3184381. PMID 21709147.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]