Complications of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The rising internal heat can disrupt the brain, causing confusion, unusual behaviour, loss of coordination, seizures or unconsciousness. It can also injure the kidneys, liver, muscles and blood-clotting system. Vomiting may worsen fluid loss and make oral drinks unsafe when alertness is reduced. Heat exhaustion can precede heat stroke, but heat stroke can develop quickly during intense heat or exertion. A fever-like temperature does not make this condition a routine fever.

Call emergency services at once. Move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing and start rapid cooling with cool wet cloths, fans or a cool shower while help is coming. Do not give drinks to anyone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting repeatedly or unable to swallow safely. Do not leave them alone or ask them to walk. Hospital treatment may include controlled cooling, monitoring of organs and IV fluid therapy, with additional care guided by the examination.

Treat confusion, fainting, seizure, severe headache, loss of coordination, unusual behaviour, collapse, repeated vomiting or inability to drink as an emergency after heat exposure. Do not wait for sweating to stop or for the person to become unconscious. Even if the person seems better after cooling, urgent assessment is needed because organ injury may not be immediately obvious.

Ask which organs were affected, what follow-up tests are needed, when activity can restart, how to plan cooling and hydration during future heat exposure, and which symptoms after discharge require immediate return.