The fibers which form the external capsule move between the claustrum and the lentiform nucleus. The claustrum is a sheet of grey matter located between the tracts of white matter in the capsule. The lentiform nucleus is situated near the internal capsule and is a large, cone-shaped structure made of grey matter.
Heat stroke is a common cause of brain injury causing damage to the external capsule. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes overheated and includes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, and confusion. Extreme behavior changes frequently occur with a heat stroke, often due to hallucinations. This is a medical emergency that can quickly lead to coma and death if not treated immediately.
Treatment for a heat stroke begins by cooling the body as quickly as possible. Once the body has been cooled, the extent of the damage to the brain and other organs of the body are assessed and treated as necessary. Depending on the extent of the injury, the damage to the brain may be either temporary or permanent. If the brain does not fully recover, the damage to the external capsule can result in personality changes, and coordination issues may remain.