Distinguish between stroke and heatstroke

Heatstroke is a condition in which the body becomes overheated when exposed to a very hot, high-temperature environment for a long period of time. Body temperature increases beyond the tolerance level (usually above 40 degrees Celsius), causing the body to lose its ability to regulate, causing disorders in many organs, including the nervous system.

A stroke is acute brain damage caused by a cerebral blood vessel blockage or cerebral blood vessel rupture, causing a sudden lack of blood supply to an area of ​​the brain. This condition leads to massive death of nerve cells, causing serious neurological symptoms and the risk of death.

MSc. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, Department of Neurology and Stroke, Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, said these two diseases have many similar symptoms such as dizziness, collapse, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness… easily causing confusion leading to incorrect or delayed first aid, endangering the patient’s life.

Dr. Yen pointed out some points to help distinguish stroke from heat stroke.

Initiating circumstances

Heat stroke often occurs when working, doing strenuous labor or playing sports for a long time in hot conditions. Stroke occurs suddenly at any time, even when the patient is resting, sleeping or living normally.

Onset speed

A stroke occurs suddenly over a few seconds to a few minutes. Symptoms may appear suddenly when the patient is talking, eating or resting normally.

Heatstroke progresses slowly, the patient feels mildly tired, thirsty, and sweats profusely before severe symptoms such as collapsing or fainting appear.

Body temperature

People with heat stroke often have unusually high body temperatures, hot, red skin and flushed faces, while people with stroke may or may not have a fever and usually do not have a high fever in the first place.

Sweating disorders

People with stroke do not have typical sweating disorders or obvious signs of dehydration. On the contrary, people with heatstroke in the early stages may sweat a lot, and in the later stages, their skin will become dry due to excessive sweating.

Neurological symptoms

Neurological symptoms are the most important factor to help distinguish between stroke and heatstroke, according to Dr. Yen. Stroke patients often have neurological symptoms such as mouth distortion, numbness on one side of the body, weakness, paralysis on one side of the body, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, blurred vision or sudden loss of vision. People with heat stroke may faint, collapse, feel tired, and be unable to speak, but their mouth will not distort or they will not be paralyzed.

The initial first aid methods for these two conditions are different. People with heat stroke need to be taken to a cool place, loosen or take off unnecessary clothing, wipe their body with water, apply cool compresses, and use a fan to increase heat dissipation. If the victim is conscious, give sips of cool water, water mixed with salt (oresol), coconut water or fruit juice. Call emergency services immediately if symptoms do not improve, the patient is confused, coma, or convulsing.

In case a patient is suspected of having a stroke, absolutely do not give water to drink because it can easily cause choking, airway obstruction or aspiration pneumonia. Call an ambulance and transfer the stroke person to the nearest hospital instead of providing first aid to avoid missing the “golden time” for treatment.