Brain Injury
The primary temperature sensitive elements of neural cells are
mitochondrial and plasma membranes.20 The protein
structures within these structures become disrupted and may undergo
irreversible abnormalities at temperatures even above
40°C.20 This is potentiated by
hypoxia.20 Children with their rapidly developing
brain cells may be at greater risk than adults, and while some cell
death occurs quickly, other cells may undergo a prolonged period of
apoptosis.20 Purkinje cells seem to be the most at
risk, showing cellular changes to the greatest
extent.20 As a consequence, the cerebellum may undergo
the greatest damage with loss of motor control.20 This
has been the case in the subject described above, with on-going deficits
in gait function, bimanual motor control, and coordination.