Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Heatstroke

A body temperature of 39.5 ºC or higher in conjunction with the described symptoms is heatstroke. If the patient’s temperature is above 41ºC, they are in a critical condition and require emergency medical attention.

On arrival at hospital, the doctor should be told about:

• the exposure to high temperatures,
• whether the person has taken part in physical exercise,
• if there is a pre-existing medical condition, and
• previous attempts to cool the person down.

Temperature and pulse will be closely monitored, and the doctor will also look for signs of neurological illness such as confusion, irrational behaviour, seeing things that aren’t really there (hallucinations) and fits (seizures).

Some tests (including blood tests, x-rays, or imaging scans) may be performed to check the extent of damage from heatstroke, and to determine if other disorders are present.

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