DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like to know the difference between heat stroke and a massive stroke leading to death.
My friend was out most of the day in 85 F to 90 F heat. He wasn’t sick at all. He went to bed that night and fell on the floor. He couldn’t get up. About a half-hour later, he went into a coma and never came out of it.
I am blaming myself for keeping him outside. He was having a good time, even doing the chicken dance. I am wondering if the heat had anything to do with it. He was 93. [Read more…]
Stroke and heat stroke not the same
February 17, 2010 By
Stroke damage probably permanent after 30 years
February 13, 2008 By
DEAR DR. GOTT: About 30 years ago, my brother-in-law, while working in extreme heat and consuming alcohol, suffered a heat stroke. He was left with a strong speech impairment where he cannot pronounce consonants and his voice is quite rough. He took speech therapy for a while after the stroke, but it did not help. Otherwise his health is good. He takes no medications and is 74 years old. He has a slight balance problem but can work in the yard, mow with a riding mower, etc. He hasn’t seen a doctor in years. He is quite alert. His wife died two years ago and he is lonely, but he will not go out in public because of years of people making fun of his speech. It has greatly discouraged him. I believe people are more tolerant and understanding today but he doesn’t. He generally doesn’t say anything unless asked a question and he answers in as few words as possible. His grown children are sympathetic but not assertive toward the situation.
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