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Heat stroke induced cerebellar dysfunction: A "forgotten syndrome"
Athula D Kosgallana1, Shreyashee Mallik, Vishal Patel
1Athula D Kosgallana, Shreyashee Mallik, Vishal Patel, Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia.
World Journal of Clinical Cases
|December 17, 2013
Summary
This study details a rare case of heat stroke causing acute cerebellar dysfunction, a neurological condition affecting speech and balance. The findings suggest heat stroke may occur at lower temperatures than previously documented.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Heat stroke is a severe hyperpyretic condition.
- Acute cerebellar dysfunction is a rare neurological complication.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old ship captain presented with slurred speech and gait ataxia.
- Initial radiographic findings were normal.
Findings:
- The patient experienced heat stroke-induced acute cerebellar dysfunction.
- A literature review confirmed this rare neurological disease.
- The patient's heat stroke occurred at a temperature lower than typically reported.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of heat stroke's neurological effects.
- It highlights the need to consider heat stroke in cerebellar dysfunction, even at lower temperatures.
- Further research into heat stroke's impact on the cerebellum is warranted.
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