Case of the Month #50 Heatstroke

Published 20/06/2024

What is the broad differential diagnosis of a high temperature?

Can be considered by system/type or by the process in which excessive heat develops. 

  • Heatstroke – classical# or exertional*# 

  • Sepsis

  • Toxins – serotonin syndrome*, neuroleptic malignant syndrome*, malignant hyperthermia*, sympathomimetic overdose* (e.g., cocaine / MDMA), anticholinergics# 

  • Endocrine – hyperthyroidism/thyroid storm*, phaeochromocytoma*, adrenal insufficiency# 

  • CNS – meningitis*^, encephalitis*^, seizures*, ischaemia^, intracerebral haemorrhage^ 

*causes due to excessive heat production 

#causes due to inadequate heat dissipation 

^causes due to hypothalamic dysfunction