What may occur as a complication of heat stroke?

Convulsions may occur as a complication of heat stroke due to the severe elevation of body temperature, which can disrupt normal brain function. Heat stroke is characterized by an inability to regulate body temperature that can lead to temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C). This extreme heat can cause cellular damage, particularly in the brain, leading to neurological symptoms, including confusion, altered consciousness, and seizures. These seizures or convulsions are a direct response to the brain’s stress from the high temperature and can indicate serious complications that require immediate medical intervention.

The other options, while they can occur in various heat-related illnesses or conditions, are not direct complications associated with heat stroke in the same severe way as convulsions. Fainting, headaches, and chills may be signs of milder heat-related issues and do not reflect the critical life-threatening state of heat stroke.