Best Diagnostic Tests for Heatstroke

Via: AustralianGeographic

Heat stoke is the dysfunction of the neurological system of the body due to high inner body temperature of more than 41.1 degree centigrade or 106 degree Fahrenheit leading to multiple organ failure and mortality if not treated in time. It is the extreme form of heat exhaustion with extreme and often dangerous results. Heat Stroke may be Exertional occurring in younger persons who are involved in vigorous physical activity for a longer period of time under hot conditions or Classic Non-exertional which is more common in elderly individuals who have a sedentary life style, chronically ill persons and children. Classic heat stroke occurs in an environment where there has been no heat wave for a prolonged period of time and suddenly hot climate sets in.

Our body controls its temperature through thermo regulation mechanisms. Dissipating the body heat by the process of sweating and evaporation of the sweat on the skin cools down the body. This forms an integral part of the thermoregulation mechanism of the body to maintain the desired temperature. When the body dehydrates due to continuous loss of sweat or even due to less intke of fluids and body fluids become insufficient to form sweat the body loses its ability to dissipate its heat to the surrounding environment and the inner temperature of the body raises leading to Heat Stroke.

No specific diagnostic test is available to determine heat stroke. However, below are some of the best recommended diagnostic procedures that can help in detecting a heat stroke.

• 1. General Physical Examination. - Monitoring the body temperature through a thermometer is most essential in detecting heat stroke. Higher temperatures than 106 degree Fahrenheit is a definite symptom of heat stroke. Decreasing Blood Pressure is another sign of heat stroke. Heat stroke also leads to reduced reduced mental awareness of the surrounding environment. It will elevate the elevated pulse rate. Dilation of the pupil which can be determined by funduscopic examination of the eyes is another symptom of heat stroke.

                                                           funduscopic examination

• 2. Testing the current strength of the muscles of the effected person and examining the reflexes and posture of the person together with his sensations can help in detecting a heat stroke. A muscles of a person effected with heat stroke will show less reflex and will not be able to carry out the normal functions.

• 3. Blood test also helps in detecting a heat stroke. The levels of sodium salts and lactic acid may be higher than normal in a person effected by heat. On the other had the level of glucose can be low depriving the body of the needed energy.

• 4. Testing of other gas contents in your blood can also detect heat stroke. The main change in metabolic of the blood due to a heat stroke is the metabolic acidosis which is secondary to increase in lactate quantum or/and a respiratory alkalosis. From studies and observations of patients who had heat stroke it has been determined that most common is Hypocalcaemia which is the state of low presence of serum calcium in blood.

• 5. Physical examination of the urine can also tell the signs of a heat stroke. Usually in patients with heat stroke, the urine is of darker shade than usual as heat stroke hinders the renal activity which may even lead to kidney failure.

• 6. A functional muscle testing involving various physical activities will determine if the muscles are in good conditions generating the requisite energy can show the signs of heat stroke. Medical attention needs to given immediately as heat stroke can lead to Rhabdomyolysis a condition where damaged muscles break down and release myoglobin into the blood which can lead to kidney failure.

• 7. Heat stroke leads to lung damage causing respiratory failure. It leads to swelling of the brain tissue increasing the pressure in the cranium leading to the dame of the tissues. Heat stroke also causes erratic rhythm of heart indicating heart damage. An X-ray of the chest can determine the damage to the lung tissue which can indicate heat stroke. CT scan of the brain to determine the swelling will also indicate heat stroke. An erratic electrocardiogram also indicates a heat stroke.

Since there is no special or specific diagnostic procedure to determine a heat stroke a combination of two or more above diagnostic methods will help in determining whether a person has suffered from heat stroke or is suffering from any other ailments. Heat stroke should not be confused with other ailments because if not treated immediately, it could prove to be fatal for the patient