A medical term for very high body temperature.
Hyperthermia means abnormally high body temperature. A rapid rise of temperature to dangerous levels – called malignant hyperthermia – may be precipitated by general ANAESTHESIA but the condition is rare (1:50,000 operations) and is usually inherited. The anaesthetic is stopped and icepacks are used to cool the patient. Pure oxygen and intravenous sodium choride are also administered.
It is also the name given to the treatment of disease by the arti?cial production of FEVER. This can be achieved by various methods, such as radiation heat cabinets boosted with radio frequency (RF); immersion in a hot wax bath; heated suits or blankets; techniques using electromagnetic waves (e.g. RF, MICROWAVES); and ULTRASOUND of appropriate frequencies. Hyperthermia is sometimes of help as an adjunct to surgery, CHEMOTHERAPY, or RADIOTHERAPY in the treatment of cancer.
A very high body temperature
(hyperthermy) n. 1. exceptionally high body temperature (about 41°C or above). See fever. 2. treatment of disease by inducing fever. Compare hypothermia.
This disorder is a rare complication of general ANAESTHESIA caused, it is believed, by a combination of an inhalation anaesthetic (usually HALOTHANE) and a muscle-relaxant drug (usually succinycholine). A life-endangering rise in temperature occurs, with muscular rigidity the ?rst sign. TACHYCARDIA, ACIDOSIS and SHOCK usually ensue. About 1:20,000 patients having general anaesthesia suffer from this disorder, which progresses rapidly and is often fatal. Surgery and anaesthesia must be stopped immediately and appropriate corrective measures taken, including the intravenous administration of DANTROLENE. It is a dominantly inherited genetic condition; therefore, when a case is identi?ed it is most important that relatives are screened.... malignant hyperthermia
A rapid rise in body temperature to a dangerously high level, brought on by general anaesthesia. The condition is rare. In most cases, susceptibility is inherited; people suffering from certain muscle disorders may also be at risk. The patient’s body temperature rises soon after the anaesthetic is given. Emergency treatment and intensive care are needed.... hyperthermia, malignant
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