Headache from heat stroke: what to know

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control its temperature. Headache may occur alongside hot skin, marked weakness, dizziness, nausea, a fast heartbeat, or changes in behaviour. Confusion, unusual sleepiness, seizures, or fainting suggest the brain and other organs are being affected. This is different from milder heat exhaustion, which can cause headache but usually does not cause altered mental state.

Call emergency services if heat stroke is possible. Move the person to shade or air conditioning, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with wet cloths, cool water, or fans while help is coming. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unable to swallow safely. Do not leave the person alone. Hospital treatment may include monitoring and IV Fluid Therapy.

Treat suspected heat stroke as urgent even if the headache improves during cooling. Emergency help is needed for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, or inability to drink. A headache after prolonged heat exposure also needs prompt assessment when it is severe, worsening, or accompanied by a high temperature or behaviour change.

Ask what signs showed heat illness was affecting the nervous system, how long to avoid strenuous heat exposure, and which symptoms should prompt another emergency visit. Tell the clinician about the exposure, fluids taken, medicines used, and any episode of fainting or vomiting.