Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of Heat Stroke

A heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature from overexposure to the sun or high temperatures. A heat stroke can cause a person to have both physical and neurological problems, unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are two less severe ailments. The long-term effects of heat stroke can be dire, according to Medicinenet.com.

Significance

• Heat stroke causes severe dehydration and can ultimately lead to a person's demise. Fifty-eight people were randomly selected out of 3,500 people who had suffered a heat stroke in a July 1995 University of Chicago study. One-fourth of these people died. (See reference 1 below)

Long-Term Effects

• Heat stroke can also cause brain damage, kidney problems and even blood disorders over time, according to Sunshinesafetytips.com.

Other Long-Term Effects

• According to the University of Chicago study in 1995, 10% of the heat stroke victims sustained lung inflammation.

Types of Severe Symptoms

• Heat stroke also causes seizures and in some cases, coma or a comatose state in some individuals.

Warning

• People who suffer from heat stroke need to receive immediate attention in order to prevent permanent organ damage (According to Medicinenet.com.) Recommended treatments include taking the victim to a shady area, applying cool water to their skin and placing ice packs to the groin and under the arms.