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Does Hypothermia Cause A Stroke?

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Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014
Question: My father 77 years old slipped and fell. He layed in 40 degree wet icy ground for about 3 hours. He was shivering, shaking and very cold when he was found. However he was responding and knew what happened The first 24 hrs he did show some signs of respitory failure didn't show signs of a stroke. But then after that doctors started seeing signs of a stroke. I am wondering if he was mildly hypothermic and could that have brought the stroke on or the respitory failure?
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Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your question and I'm sorry to hear about your father. The answer is yes to both of your questions. the hypothermia could have contributed to both his stroke and his respiratory failure. I do hope he improves over time. Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (50 minutes later)
How does it contribute. I know his blood pressure did rise 24 hrs later
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Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer: See explanation below Detailed Answer: Hi, Many changes to body physiology occur as body temperature decreases. These occur in the cardiovascular system leading to the a drop in blood pressure and irregular heart beat, decreased mental function, increased urine production, and non-cardiogenic fluid on the lungs or pulmonary oedema. The cardiac effects could cause a stroke and the effects on the lungs are as above where fluid can accumulate. I hope this answers your questions. best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (50 minutes later)
One more question. Noted on record was troponion levels were up what is troponon levels
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Troponin is a cardiac enzyme Detailed Answer: Hi, Troponin is a cardiac enzyme that is released into the blood stream when the heart muscle is damaged such as during a heart attack or myocardial infarction. best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Karl Logan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

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Does Hypothermia Cause A Stroke?

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your question and I'm sorry to hear about your father. The answer is yes to both of your questions. the hypothermia could have contributed to both his stroke and his respiratory failure. I do hope he improves over time. Best wishes