Heat stroke occurs when the human body becomes overheated. This typically happens on humid or very hot days. For people who exercise or work outside during those types of days, the body may not sweat enough to properly cool down. According to MayoClinic.com, when body temperatures exceed 104 degrees F or higher, people are susceptible to heat stroke. Although heat strokes are treatable, exposure for prolonged periods or improper treatment may result in permanent side effects.
Rhabdomyolysis
According to the Mayo Clinic, rhabdomyolysis is a permanent effect of untreated heat stroke. This occurs when heat damages muscles while breaking down muscle fibers. As a result, myoglobin is released into the bloodstream and other parts of the body. Myogobin is a protein that causes kidney damage. Excessive amounts of protein to the kidneys can cause conditions such as kidney failure.
Organ Damage
Exposure to high body temperatures for extended time can cause vital body organs to swell, says MayoClinic.com. This occurs when the body fails to sweat. During a heat stroke, the body becomes incapable of responding to heat. There are often no permanent effects if the body is cooled in a timely manner. If the body isn't cooled quickly enough, vital organ swelling may be permanent and cause failure and disease within the liver, heart and kidneys. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that permanent heat damage to the nervous system occurs in 20 percent of heat stroke cases that are untreated. If this occurs, patients can develop irregular heartbeats and eventually suffer cardiac arrest.
Brain Damage
A heat stroke can sometimes lead to permanent brain damage, according to the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The severity of the damage depends on the areas affected. Ataxia, the inability to control muscular movements, is a possible permanent effect of heat strokes. This can interfere with speech and vision. It can also affect any area of the body. Dysarthria, another permanent effect from heat strokes, causes the muscles in the face, mouth and respiratory system to become weak and frail. This leads to breathing difficulties and slurred speech.
