Why does heat stroke cause seizure?

Heat stroke develops when the body can no longer cool itself adequately. A very high internal temperature can affect the brain directly, while fluid and salt losses may further disturb nerve signalling. This can lead to confusion, collapse, reduced responsiveness, or involuntary shaking. Seizure is a common presentation of Heat Stroke, but seizures also have many causes unrelated to heat.

A seizure during severe heat exposure is a warning that the person may be seriously unwell. Sweating may be present or absent, so do not use dry skin alone to decide how serious the situation is.

Treat suspected heat stroke as an emergency. Call emergency services, move the person to a cool shaded or air-conditioned place, remove extra clothing, and cool them rapidly with cool water, wet cloths, fanning, or a cool bath if available.

During a seizure, protect the person from nearby hazards, cushion their head, and turn them onto their side once it is safe. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give anything to drink while they are drowsy, confused, vomiting, or seizing.

Emergency assessment is needed straight away for a seizure with heat exposure, confusion, fainting, difficulty waking, severe headache, repeated vomiting, or worsening symptoms. Continue cooling while help is on the way. Even if the shaking stops, the person needs urgent medical evaluation because heat injury can affect several organs.

Ask what may have contributed to the heat illness, whether any follow-up tests are needed, and when it is safe to return to exercise or outdoor work. If the seizure was new, ask whether assessment for other possible causes is appropriate.