Walking in Hot Summer may be Dangerous for the Elderly
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Abstract
This report details a case of exertional heat stroke in a 78-year-old male who collapsed after his regular evening walk in high-temperature conditions (ambient temperature 42.5°C, humidity 25%). After 30 minutes of walking, he lost consciousness and experienced a tonic-clonic seizure. Upon arrival at the emergency department, he was drowsy (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 12) and had recurrent seizures. The patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated. Treatment included cold sponging, intravenous fluids, intravenous lorazepam, and levetiracetam, leading to cessation of seizures and improved consciousness. He was extubated after 25 hours and discharged after seven days. This case underscores the heightened risk of exertional heat stroke in elderly individuals during exercise in hot weather.
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