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The Osborn wave in accidental hypothermia
Sahin Aslan1, Ali Fuat Erdem, Mustafa Uzkeser
1Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 31, 2007
Summary
Hypothermia can cause symptoms mimicking serious conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Prompt rewarming is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of environmental emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Hypothermia, defined as core body temperature <35°C, is a common environmental emergency.
- Altered mental status and ECG changes are key indicators.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male presented with altered mental status, bradycardia, and J waves on ECG.
- Initial rectal temperature was 31°C, indicating severe hypothermia.
Findings:
- Rewarming improved ECG findings and heart rate, but head CT revealed subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhage.
- J waves and obtunded state were initially attributed to hypothermia.
Implications:
- Hypothermia can mask or mimic neurological emergencies like subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Early recognition and management of hypothermia are critical to avoid misdiagnosis.
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