Case Report
Copyright ©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Cases. Nov 16, 2013; 1(8): 260-261
Published online Nov 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i8.260
Heat stroke induced cerebellar dysfunction: A “forgotten syndrome”
Athula D Kosgallana, Shreyashee Mallik, Vishal Patel, Roy G Beran
Athula D Kosgallana, Shreyashee Mallik, Vishal Patel, Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
Roy G Beran, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4222, Australia
Roy G Beran, Strategic Health Evaluation, Northbridge, NSW 1560, Australia
Author contributions: Kosgallana AD put forward the concept, drafted and submitted the manuscript; Patel V reviewed the literature and involved with patient care; Mallik S involved in patient care and preparation of the manuscript; Beran RG involved in supervision of patient clinical care, writing, editing and overall supervision of manuscript preparation.
Correspondence to: Roy G Beran, Professor, Strategic Health Evaluation, PO Box 598, Northbridge, NSW 1560, Australia. roy@royberan.com
Telephone: +61-2-94153800 Fax: +61-2-94131353
Received: August 28, 2013
Revised: September 26, 2013
Accepted: November 2, 2013
Published online: November 16, 2013
Processing time: 78 Days and 23.5 Hours
Abstract

We report a case of heat stroke induced acute cerebellar dysfunction, a rare neurological disease characterized by gross cerebellar dysfunction with no acute radiographic changes, in a 61 years old ship captain presenting with slurred speech and gait ataxia. A systematic review of the literature on heat stroke induced cerebellar dysfunction was performed, with a focus on investigations, treatment and outcomes. After review of the literature and detailed patient investigation it was concluded that this patient suffered heat stroke at a temperature less than that quoted in the literature.

Keywords: Heat stroke; Cerebellar syndrome; Ataxic hemiparesis; Hyperthermia; Cerebellar atrophy

Core tip: Heat stroke induced cerebellar damage is a rare and challenging neurological problem. The cerebellum is vulnerable to high temperature which may cause irreversible cell damage with permanent disability. Thorough evaluation with neuroimaging and laboratory investigations are required to exclude alternative diagnosis.