HYPERPYREXIA

Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on how long the condition lasts and if it worsens.

Early symptoms may include:

• Increased Thirst
• Extreme Sweating
• Dizziness
• Muscle Cramps
• Nausea
• Light-Headedness
• Fatigue And Weakness

As the high temperature persists or gets worse, the person may experience:

• Headache
• Mild Confusion
• Contracted Pupils
• Pale, Moist, and Cool Skin
• Vomiting or Upset Stomach
• Decreased Urination or Inability to Urinate

In prolonged periods of a temperature of more than 106.1°F, the following symptoms may occur:

• Extreme Confusion
• Loss of Consciousness
• Rapid, Shallow Breathing
• Dry, Hot, and Red Skin
• Weak, Fast Pulse
• Widened Pupils
• Seizures

It is essential to seek treatment for fevers over 106.1°F to help prevent serious long-term complications or death.

DIAGNOSIS

A thermometer can be used to diagnose hyperpyrexia. If the If the reading is over 106.1°F, then the person has likely the symptoms of hyperpyrexia.

Hyperpyrexia itself is not a diagnosis and only a symptom of a larger problem. Finding the underlying cause of the high fever is more important and often more challenging.

A doctor will assess the person’s physical state and run tests to rule out the more common causes of high fever. These test may include the following:

• Blood Work – to check for signs of infection
• Image Studies of the Brain-to check for intracranial hemorrhage

Further tests will largely depend on any other symptoms the person has.

TREATMENT

Treating the main cause of hyperpyrexia will make the temperature go down.  When the body temperature starts reaching 106.1°F and higher, it may be necessary to treat the fever itself.

Direct treatment of hyperpyrexia may include:

• A Cool Bath or Cold, Wet Sponges Put on the Skin
• Liquid Hydration Through IV or from Drinking
• Fever-Reducing Medications, such as Dantrolene

Doctors will need to take steps to reduce the patient’s fever if the case is due to malignant hyperpyrexia caused from general anesthesia.