Exertional heat stroke: A case report from Belgium

Exertional heat stroke is a condition that affects young individuals during intense physical activity in extreme weather conditions. It is characterized by hyperthermia above 40°C and encephalopathy. Without prompt recognition and immediate management, this condition can lead to multiple organ failure or even death. What is already known about the topic? Exertional heat stroke is defined as hyperthermia that occurs during physical exertion and is accompanied by neurological dysfunction. What does this article bring up for us? This article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and immediately managing heat stroke to prevent multi-organ dysfunction and its long-term complications. The preferred cooling method is total body immersion in ice-cold water. Due to the increasing frequency of heat waves in Belgium, its incidence is expected to rise in the coming years. Keywords Exertional heat stroke, cooling methods