High Altitude Cerebral Edema

Question 1

What elevations does HACE occur at

Answer 1

2500 meters (8250 feet)

Question 2

HACE is more common in what individuals

Answer 2

Unacclimated individuals

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms
(1) Severe headaches,
(2) Confusion,
(3) Truncal ataxia,
(4) Urinary retention or incontinence,
(5) Focal deficits,
(6) Papilledema,
(7) Nausea and vomiting,
(8) Seizures.

Answer 3

HACE

Question 4

Treatment of HACE

Answer 4

(1) Treatment
(a) Immediate descent for at least 610 meters (2000 feet), continuing until symptoms improve.
1) Oxygen (100% 2-4 L/min) should be administered by mask.
2) Acetazolamide (250 mg orally every 8-12 hours)
3) Dexamethasone, 4-8 mg orally every 6 hours, is recommended thereafter.
4) If immediate descent is impossible, a portable hyperbaric chamber should be used until.