Core Temperature and Mental Status of Two Runners Experiencing Exertional Heat Stroke After a Road Race

Authors

Rebecca M. Lopez, University of South Florida - Tampa
Julie K. Nolan, Sacred Heart UniversityFollow
Susan W. Yeargin, University of South Carolina -Columbia
Samantha E. Scarneo-Miller, West Virginia University
Douglas J. Casa, University of Connecticut
John F. Jardine, University of Connecticut

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Prehospital management of exertional heat stroke (EHS) consists of monitoring rectal temperature (Tre) while aggressively cooling via cold water immersion. Recent recommendations suggest using central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction to determine cessation of cooling when Tre is not available. We examined cognitive responses of two runners with EHS after a road race. This comparison illustrates the need to use caution with this recommendation, as the manifestation of CNS responses in EHS patients can be unpredictable. The variables in both cases highlight the importance of avoiding using mental status alone when cooling EHS patients and support Tre serving as the main clinical indicator during treatment.

Comments

In Press, Journal Pre-proof, Available online 16 December 2024

DOI

10.1016/j.jsams.2024.12.003

Recommended Citation

Lopez, R. M., Nolan, J. K., Yeargin, S. W., Scarneo-Miller, S. E., Casa, D. J., & Jardine, J. (2024). Comparison of core temperature and mental status of two runners experiencing exertional heat stroke after a road race. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.12.003

Publication

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport