Published - Sun, 30 Oct 2022

Unusual Causes of Hyperthermia

Unusual Causes of Hyperthermia

1. Malignant hyperthermia: When under general anaesthesia, some patients with a rare genetic tendency may quickly experience acute hyperthermia, stiffness of the muscles, and acidosis. Inappropriate intracellular calcium release results in malignant hyperthermia. Dantrolene, which reduces myoplasmic calcium, is used as part of the treatment along with cooling and supportive measures.


2. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: This rare syndrome is induced by antipsychotic medications (e.g., haloperidol) and manifests as muscular rigidity, severe dyskinesia, dystonia, hyperthermia, dyspnea, tachycardia, and urinary incontinence. The brain's dopamine receptors are blocked as part of the technique. Additionally suppressing thirst, haloperidol makes the issue worse. Treatment includes supportive and cooling measures, with possible medications including dantrolene, amantadine, bromocriptine, and benzodiazepines.


3. Drug overdose: Hyperpyrexia that is lethal can be brought on by anticholinergic medication overdose and sympathomimetic drugs like amphetamines.


4. Cerebrovascular accident: Ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes involving the thermoregulatory centers in the brain can cause elevation of body temperature and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperthermia.

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Dr. Prashant Raj

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