Authors

  1. Dreyer, Anne Ryan
  2. Kulesa, Marjorie G.

Abstract

The human thermoregulatory process allows the body to react to normal situations of heat production. When the body is exposed to extreme circumstances of heat, the system is unable to compensate, resulting in hyperthermia. Both exercise and the environment can contribute to this extreme heat production. Malignant hyperthermia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome are potentially fatal disorders that occur as a result of exposure to certain drugs. The resulting hyperthermia causes multiple system failure if not recognized and treated promptly. Although the causes of hyperthermia may vary, the diagnosis and intervention must be carried out immediately so that the crisis and complications associated with these disorders can be kept to a minimum.