What Casues Excessive Heat On Head?

Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 24 year old son is having second incident of his head overheating. There was no exertion prior to the onset. He's complaining of excessive heat on his head (minimal perspiration at hairline only) with the sensation starting at the neck. He also says he's been very tired for the past hour or so.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Some more information

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. I would like to gather some information. Has he had recent weight loss or palpitations? ANy thyroid blood works done? Is he on any medications?
There are several possibilities : Thyroid dysfunction , hypoglycemia, certain drugs etc are common causes.
I would appreciate if you could answer the above questions.
Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (18 minutes later)

No weight loss or palpitations. No blood work, as this happened once yesterday and again today. Never before.

His only medication is Adderall. He's high-functioning Autistic, with ADD. He takes 30mg Monday-Thursday only, to help him focus at school. These events happened on a Saturday and Sunday.

I have hypoglycemia and have never had these types of symptoms.

Thank you for your reply. Recommendations are appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Autonomic nervous system overactivity

Detailed Answer:

Thank you for the reply. Sweating is an autonomic nervous system response. Adderall can cause sweating and the feeling of heat sensation. If he is otherwise okay and if heart beat is normal, you may just observe. If symptoms are getting worse, or if he has frequent sweating/fever/chills etc, please take him to a doctor

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 hours later)

The reason I initially sent an inquiry is because I can't find anything that even similar when doing a Search. Obviously, I'll take him to the doctor, should these symptoms continue. My request is: what tests should be run to find the most likely cause?

He's been on Adderall for ten years. Are there cases of spontaneous reactions to this medication? Since the thyroid controls our body temperature, is it more likely to be involved? Has Adderall ever been linked to thyroid issues?

Are there additional blood tests (above the standard CBC) that can be run to help determine the direction to take to make a diagnosis? Drawing blood is difficult with him and one draw is preferable to many. What labs would you order if he were your son?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Eventhough he is on aderrall for last several years, it could still cause occasional problems spontaneously.

Thyroid dysfunction should be certainly ruled out. Aderral doesnt directly affect thyroid.
I would suggest a CBC, Blood sugar, CRP, Thyroid blood profile and a urine routine test at the minimum.
Regards
Binu

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