As in the case of a stroke, it corresponds to the lack of blood supply and oxygenation of a group of neurons in the brain.
It is due to the obstruction of cerebral circulation by a blood clot. The formation of the clot at 9842.52ft (3000m) of altitude is favored by an increase in the viscosity of the blood. The blood thickens due to an increase in red blood cells, dehydration and lack of oxygen in the blood.
Dizziness, headache, impaired vision, speech disorders, and altered strength or sensation appear abruptly.
The diagnosis is clinical and it is characteristic that the symptoms improve when descending in altitude and breathing oxygen.
It is considered a vital urgency and it is necessary to initiate descent and apply oxygen therapy immediately.
- Scott A Gallagher, MD. Peter Hackett, MD. Jonathan M Rosen, MD. High altitude illness: Physiology, risk factors, and general prevention. UpToDate, Apr 15, 2015.
- Scott A Gallagher, MD. Peter Hackett, MD. Acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema. UpToDate. Mar 03, 2016.
- West JB, American College of Physicians, American Physiological Society. The physiologic basis of high-altitude diseases. Ann Intern Med 2004; 141:789.
- Schoene RB. Illnesses at high altitude. Chest 2008; 134:402.
