| High altitude cerebral edema | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-9 | 993.2 |
High altitude cerebral edema (or HACE) is a severe (frequently fatal) form of altitude sickness.[1] HACE is the result of swelling of brain tissue from fluid leakage and almost always begins as acute mountain sickness (AMS).[2] Symptoms therefore usually include those of AMS (nausea/vomiting, insomnia, weakness, and/or dizziness) plus headache, loss of coordination (ataxia), and decreasing levels of consciousness including disorientation, loss of memory, hallucinations, irrational behavior, and coma.[1][2][3] In the presence of language barriers, HACE can be assessed by asking (or gesturing) for the climber to walk along a straight line.
HACE is preventable since it almost always occurs after ascending with the presence of AMS symptoms (one exception is when climbers become stranded for long periods of time at very high altitude, usually above 8,000 meters, especially without bottled oxygen).[2] The dangers of HACE are compounded by the tendency of its victims to deny having any problems at all.[2] They often do not receive treatment until they have collapsed or their symptoms cause others to intervene. Severe instances quickly lead to coma and then death if not treated immediately. Oxygen administration and medications (dexamethasone) may temporarily alleviate symptoms and facilitate descent, which is the necessary life-saving measure. Hyperbaric bags are highly effective in conjunction with dexamethasone and, considering the cost and size of most commercial climbing expeditions, are relatively inexpensive and lightweight (15 lbs). Evacuated patients should go to a medical facility for proper follow-up treatment.
Contents |
Common symptoms of HACE appear in order as followed:[4]