Exertional heat stroke in competitive athletes

Curr Sports Med Rep. 2005 Dec;4(6):309-17. doi: 10.1097/01.csmr.0000306292.64954.da.

Abstract

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a serious medical condition that can have a tragic outcome if proper assessment and treatment are not initiated rapidly. This article focuses on critical misconceptions that pertain to the prevention, recognition, and treatment of EHS, including 1) the randomness of EHS cases, 2) the role of nutritional supplements in EHS, 3) temperature assessment, 4) onset of EHS and the possible lucid interval, 5) rapid cooling, and 6) return to play. Exploration of these topics will enhance the medical care regarding EHS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Temperature
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cold Temperature
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects
  • Ephedra / adverse effects
  • Exercise Tolerance
  • Heat Exhaustion / complications
  • Heat Stroke / complications
  • Heat Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Heat Stroke / etiology
  • Heat Stroke / prevention & control*
  • Heat Stroke / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immersion
  • Physical Fitness
  • Risk Factors
  • Sports*