High altitude cerebral edema 3256943 213590704 2008-05-20T00:04:15Z Flaming 5452380 add link {{DiseaseDisorder infobox | Name = High altitude cerebral edema | ICD10 = | ICD9 = {{ICD9|993.2}} | }} '''High altitude cerebral edema''' (or '''HACE''') is a severe (frequently fatal) form of [[altitude sickness]]. HACE is the result of swelling of brain tissue from fluid leakage. Symptoms can include headache, loss of coordination ([[ataxia]]), weakness, and decreasing levels of consciousness including disorientation, loss of memory, hallucinations, irrational behavior, and coma.<ref>{{cite web | author=AAR Thompson | title=Altitude facts| url=http://www.altitude.org/altitude_sickness.htm| publisher=Apex (Altitude Physiology Expeditions) | accessdate=2007-03-06}}</ref> It generally occurs after a week or more at [[high altitude]], but symptoms of mild HACE can sometimes show up even after few hours at higher altitudes. Severe instances can lead to death if not treated quickly. Immediate descent is a necessary life-saving measure (2,000 - 4,000 feet). There are some medications (e.g. [[dexamethasone]]) that may be prescribed for treatment in the field, but these require proper medical training in their use. Anyone suffering from HACE must be evacuated to a medical facility for proper follow-up treatment. A [[Gamow bag]] can sometimes be used to stabilize the sufferer before transport or descending. ==See also== *[[Altitude sickness]] *[[High altitude pulmonary edema]] (HAPE) *[[High altitude flatus expulsion]] (HAFE) ==References== <div class="references-small"> <references /> </div> [[Category:Cerebrum]] [[Category:Mountaineering]] [[cs:Vysokohorský otok mozku]] [[de:Höhenhirnödem]] [[es:Edema Cerebral de Altitud]] [[nl:Hersenoedeem]] [[sv:Cerebralt höghöjdsödem]]