Heat stroke therapy
The most important steps in the treatment of heat stroke consist of first aid measures to prevent the progression of symptoms and to keep the cardiovascular system stable before collapse. As soon as the medical help arrives, further measures are available. Water and electrolyte balance can be adjusted via rapid chilled infusions. Once the temperature has normalized, medication may be required to treat the brain edema.
Duration of a heat stroke
The duration depends on the severity of the heat stroke. Often, the dizziness and other neurological symptoms can be detected early on before damage occurs. Normalization of body temperature and fluid balance can be achieved within a few hours. In cases without long-term consequences, fatigue and drowsiness may continue for several days.
What are the consequences of heat stroke
It is often underestimated that an acute heat stroke is a life-threatening acute situation. Especially the heart and the brain can be damaged by heat stroke. Even after treatment, the brain may have suffered long-term damage due to the edema.
This can result in a wide variety of mild to severe neurological disorders, disabilities and deficits. Other organs can also be affected by the hypovolemic shock that occurs in an emergency. For example, the kidneys are highly dependent on a continuous blood flow and can be damaged if the blood pressure drops.
What is the difference to sunstroke?
A sunstroke is a purely head-on disorder caused by direct sunlight. It is caused by long-wave solar radiation, which can lead to cerebral edema and meningitis in the brain. The symptoms are similar, but in contrast to heat stroke, sunstroke cannot occur through overheating alone. Sunstroke is particularly common in small children and persons with baldness.
