As summer arrives and the weather warms up, many Americans will suffer from a heat-related illness. Seniors are at higher risk for heat-related illness, and should receive medical treatment immediately. But it is important to make sure you don’t confuse a case of heat stroke with a regular stroke. Both are medical emergencies that require prompt treatment, but the interventions for the two ailments are vastly different.
A stroke occurs whenever a blood vessel to the brain is either blocked by a clot, or bursts, and the flow of blood to the brain is blocked. The disruption of oxygen rich blood to brain will cause the brain cells to die.
If you see someone exhibiting any of the signs of a stroke, you should call 911 immediately. The symptoms of a stroke include drooping on one side of the face, weakness in one arm or side of the body, difficulty with speech, trouble seeing, dizziness, confusion, or a severe headache. Patients who suffer a stroke and arrive quickly to the hospital not only have a greater chance of survival, but of making a better recovery from the stroke.
Heat stroke, sometimes called sun stroke, is when the core temperature of the body rises to higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the organs lose the ability to function properly. Heat stroke is caused by external factors, like being outside in high heat. The signs include a high body temperature, lack of sweating, nausea and/or vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, headache, confusion or unconsciousness, muscle cramps, and a strong, rapid pulse.
If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and try to cool down the person. Take them out of the sun, expose them to cool air, and give them a cool water to drink.