Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Heat Stroke

Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2016

Question: My husband works outdoors, construction, is fifty seven, was fine at his last physical, about a year ago, with only slightly elevated blood cholesterol, no prescribed medication required, takes XXXXXXX seltzer colds for allergy, sinus as needed and aspirin or Tylenol for headaches and body aches, as needed. He's been confusing words for the last three days, chicken for fish, couch for back, etc., although, he's unaware and only realizes it when I mention the mistake. he's having reading problems today, or, rather, vision problem. He's also having joint pain in his left hip and leg, which has been intermittent, but, is happening more often it seems. We've just ended a six week ordeal with our home air conditioning, which caused us both a great deal of stress, but, it's over now and all is well on the work and home front. Of course the heat and humidity are terrible, but he stays hydrated, and aware of heat stroke signs, no problem, he says. He's sleeping good, about eight hers per night.
It's the word confusion that baffles me, we've been married thirty seven yrs and this is very strange to me, although, he's not concerned. It's happened several times over the past few days. Please help me if you can, I love him, you know?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be stroke

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using health care magic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

From the available description I do not think it is something trivial and there is need for proper evaluation.

Although it is not possible to state conclusively but it could be stroke of right hemisphere of brain as patient finds naming difficulty and remains unaware of his condition.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (8 hours later)

Thank you, Dr. Kumer. Unfortunately, this is the answer I was afraid of.
My husband is working in this heat again, today. I'm frightened, but he is not taking this very seriously. Do you advise immediate attention? It's very difficult to get my husband to go to a doctor, (me too).

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I think it is important to see a doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

As stated in the last answer I do not consider it benign condition and I think he should be evaluated by consultant without any delay.

Unfortunately when the right hemisphere is affected there is little awareness to the patient and it becomes difficult to convince him or her.

In case you are not able to convince him it is better to seek help from community health services or even feign some illness on your part. I know it is wrong but if done in good interest I do not think it should be taken at its face value.

I hope this assists you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (59 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX Your answers will help me immensely in getting him to the Dr. ASAP. I'm trying to get an appointment with the only Dr. he might see.
They just called back & (just as you said), want to see him immediately. He'll go just to prove me wrong (ha) - but I'll be so happy if I'm wrong.
Thank you, again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks a lot for feedback

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am glad to know that information was useful for you and you were able to convince him.

Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad