Heat-stroke in an epileptic patient treated by topiramate: Follow-up by magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient measure

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illnesses, i.e. a life-threatening condition characterized by profound central nervous system abnormalities (including delirium, seizures, or coma) associated with severe hyperthermia (a core temperature typically but not always >40°C). Recently, clinical and experimental evidence suggested a complex interplay between heat cytotoxicity, coagulation, and cytokine-mediated systemic inflammatory response syndrome which finally may result in multi-organ system failure which is the ultimate cause of mortality . Exposure to high environmental temperatures is classified as passive (“classic”) or exertional, however multiple preexisting conditions may predispose to heat-stroke.

Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - February 13, 2013 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Carmine Franco Muccio, Elvio De Blasio, Maria Venditto, Gennaro Esposito, Rossana Tassi, Alfonso Cerase Tags: Case reports Source Type: research