Diagnosis and Management of Heat Stroke and Other Heat-Related Illness in the Emergency Department | Points & Pearls
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Diagnosis and Management of Heat Stroke and Other Heat-Related Illness in the Emergency Department

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Points & Pearls Excerpt

  • Milder forms of heat-related illness include heat edema, heat cramps, and heat rash. Heat syncope and heat exhaustion are more severe but not typically life-threatening. Heat stroke is the most severe form.
  • Heat stroke is a medical emergency defined by a core body temperature ≥40°C with altered mental status.
  • The differential diagnosis for hyperthermia with altered mental status includes toxicologic etiologies, infectious causes, and endocrine or neuromuscular disorders. (See Table 1.)
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Publication Information
Authors

David Fernandez, MD, MHPE; Sophia Gorgens, MD; Carver Goodhue, MD

Publication Date

June 1, 2026

CME Expiration Date

June 1, 2029    CME Information

CME Credits

4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 4 ACEP Category I Credits, 4 AAFP Prescribed Credits, 4 AOA Category 2-B Credits.

Pub Med ID: 42166611

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