High-altitude cerebral edema: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = High-altitude cerebral edema | |||
| synonyms = HACE | |||
| field = [[Neurology]], [[Emergency medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[ataxia]], [[confusion]], [[seizures]], [[coma]] | |||
| complications = [[Death]] | |||
| onset = Usually occurs above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) | |||
| duration = Variable, can progress rapidly | |||
| causes = [[Altitude sickness]], [[hypoxia]] | |||
| risks = Rapid ascent to high altitude, previous history of [[altitude sickness]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Stroke]], [[meningitis]], [[encephalitis]] | |||
| prevention = Gradual ascent, [[acetazolamide]], [[dexamethasone]] | |||
| treatment = Descent to lower altitude, [[oxygen therapy]], [[hyperbaric chamber]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with prompt treatment, poor if untreated | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''High-altitude cerebral edema''' (HACE) is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can occur at high altitudes, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). It is a form of [[altitude sickness]] and is characterized by [[swelling]] in the [[brain]] due to the effects of low oxygen levels. | '''High-altitude cerebral edema''' (HACE) is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can occur at high altitudes, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). It is a form of [[altitude sickness]] and is characterized by [[swelling]] in the [[brain]] due to the effects of low oxygen levels. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of HACE can vary, but often include [[headache]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[dizziness]], [[confusion]], and [[difficulty walking]]. In severe cases, it can lead to [[coma]] and [[death]]. | The symptoms of HACE can vary, but often include [[headache]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[dizziness]], [[confusion]], and [[difficulty walking]]. In severe cases, it can lead to [[coma]] and [[death]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
HACE is caused by exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve increased [[blood flow]] to the brain, leading to swelling and increased pressure. | HACE is caused by exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve increased [[blood flow]] to the brain, leading to swelling and increased pressure. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of HACE is based on the presence of symptoms and a history of recent ascent to high altitude. [[Imaging tests]] such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]] may be used to confirm the diagnosis. | Diagnosis of HACE is based on the presence of symptoms and a history of recent ascent to high altitude. [[Imaging tests]] such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]] may be used to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for HACE involves immediate descent to a lower altitude, if possible. [[Oxygen therapy]] and [[medication]] such as [[dexamethasone]] may also be used to reduce symptoms and swelling in the brain. | Treatment for HACE involves immediate descent to a lower altitude, if possible. [[Oxygen therapy]] and [[medication]] such as [[dexamethasone]] may also be used to reduce symptoms and swelling in the brain. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of HACE involves gradual ascent to high altitudes, allowing the body time to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels. Medications such as [[acetazolamide]] may also be used to help prevent altitude sickness. | Prevention of HACE involves gradual ascent to high altitudes, allowing the body time to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels. Medications such as [[acetazolamide]] may also be used to help prevent altitude sickness. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Altitude sickness]] | * [[Altitude sickness]] | ||
* [[High-altitude pulmonary edema]] | * [[High-altitude pulmonary edema]] | ||
* [[Acute mountain sickness]] | * [[Acute mountain sickness]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Altitude sickness]] | [[Category:Altitude sickness]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:00, 4 April 2025
| High-altitude cerebral edema | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | HACE |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, confusion, seizures, coma |
| Complications | Death |
| Onset | Usually occurs above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) |
| Duration | Variable, can progress rapidly |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Altitude sickness, hypoxia |
| Risks | Rapid ascent to high altitude, previous history of altitude sickness |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, MRI or CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Stroke, meningitis, encephalitis |
| Prevention | Gradual ascent, acetazolamide, dexamethasone |
| Treatment | Descent to lower altitude, oxygen therapy, hyperbaric chamber |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with prompt treatment, poor if untreated |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can occur at high altitudes, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). It is a form of altitude sickness and is characterized by swelling in the brain due to the effects of low oxygen levels.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of HACE can vary, but often include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death.
Causes[edit]
HACE is caused by exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve increased blood flow to the brain, leading to swelling and increased pressure.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of HACE is based on the presence of symptoms and a history of recent ascent to high altitude. Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for HACE involves immediate descent to a lower altitude, if possible. Oxygen therapy and medication such as dexamethasone may also be used to reduce symptoms and swelling in the brain.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of HACE involves gradual ascent to high altitudes, allowing the body time to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels. Medications such as acetazolamide may also be used to help prevent altitude sickness.
