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Int J Sports Med 1988; 09(2): 170-174
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024999
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema

C. Clarke
  • UIAA Mountain Medicine Data Centre, Department of Neurological Sciences, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, England
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

High altitude cerebral oedema is a severe form of acute mountain sickness occuring at heights above 4500 metres. The clinical features are of headache, impairment of consciousness and a variety of neurological signs. The condition occurs during acclimatisation and also at extreme altitudes above 7500 metres when it is often fatal.

Case histories of cerebral oedema patients, pathological findings and treatment are reviewed.

Other forms of altitude-related illness are also reviewed, including stroke and retinal haemorrhage.

Key words

Cerebral oedema - altitude - acute mountain sickness