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What Causes Sudden Increase In Body Temperature In A Quadriplegic Person?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Dec 2015
Question: With a Braun ear sensing thermometer, my quadriplegic wife often shows 101-102 temp yet elsewhere she is normal or somewhat cool to the touch. Is thermometer defective? We are unable to obtain a glass type thermometer to verify. She is also susceptible to frequent sinusitis! Can this cause a fever spike with ear temp reading?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
EAr temperatures re higher than when taken elsewhere!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry hear about this disturbing thought about the temperature reading. This is because the ear temperature is central and normal reads higher than the normal. It should generally be 1-2F higher than when taking elsewhere on the body. This is therefore normal and you should not be concerned. This is in no way suggestive of a sinus infection. In the hospitals, we often add this value to temperatures taken else where for comparison purposes.

I hope this clears your worries and puts your mind at ease. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Increase In Body Temperature In A Quadriplegic Person?

Brief Answer: EAr temperatures re higher than when taken elsewhere! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry hear about this disturbing thought about the temperature reading. This is because the ear temperature is central and normal reads higher than the normal. It should generally be 1-2F higher than when taking elsewhere on the body. This is therefore normal and you should not be concerned. This is in no way suggestive of a sinus infection. In the hospitals, we often add this value to temperatures taken else where for comparison purposes. I hope this clears your worries and puts your mind at ease. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.