Author:
Newman Lawrence C.,Levin Morris,Halker Singh Rashmi B.,Michael Rebecca L.
Abstract
Abstract
High-altitude headache (HAH) is classified as a disorder of homeostasis. It tends to occur when ascending altitudes higher than 2500 m and resolves within 24 hours of descending to less than 2500 m. More than 30% of mountaineers will experience a headache at elevations, particularly with rapid ascent and at very high altitudes. HAH can accompany acute mountain sickness, with other symptoms part of this syndrome being nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, dyspnea, and sleep disturbance. This chapter defines the etiology of HAH as well as the related problem of acute mountain sickness. Readers are provided with an understanding of the pathophysiology of HAH, as well as practical management options.