High-Altitude Cerebral Edema

With exposure to very high mountains, the body may not adapt well to the smaller amount of available oxygen, and one of the most serious complications is high-altitude cerebral edema. In this condition, fluid accumulates in the brain as a result of the altitude.

Common symptoms: Severe headache that does not ease, confusion, disturbances of balance and coordination, marked drowsiness, and changes in behavior.

When should you see a doctor? It is a mountain emergency: it requires descending to a lower altitude and immediate medical attention, since it can worsen quickly.

Which specialist treats it? The neurologist is the one who evaluates the effects on the nervous system once the person is stabilized. Faced with neurological symptoms at altitude, the prudent thing is not to minimize them and to seek professional help as soon as possible.