Is Heatstroke a Type of Stroke?

As the summer approaches, you will be exposed to the term "heatstroke" a few times, and you might be wondering whether a heatstroke is actually a type of stroke. In essence heatstroke is a term used to describe the symptoms that people experience during episodes of extremely high body temperature (which is also known as hyperthermia). Although the brain is affected under these conditions, it is not necessarily affected directly in the way that regular strokes affect it. In other words, a heatstroke does not necessarily cut the supply of blood to an area of the brain like a regular stroke, but instead it affects brain function globally as a result of dehydration, poor oxygenation, or due to the abnormal function of other organs.

Depending of the degree of high body temperature (hyperthermia) a person can have signs of brain dysfunction which range from confusion, and delirium to brain herniation and even death! (but these last two are extremely rare)

To avoid heatstroke this summer, keep hydrated, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Recommended reading:
What is a Stroke?
Stroke Symptoms
Stroke Treatments