Delirium at high altitude

High Alt Med Biol. 2002 Spring;3(1):69-71. doi: 10.1089/152702902753639577.

Abstract

A 35-year-old man on a trek to the Mount Everest region of Nepal presented with a sudden, acute confusional state at an altitude of about 5000 m. Although described at higher altitudes, delirium presenting alone has not been documented at 5000 m or at lower high altitudes. The differential diagnosis which includes acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema is discussed. Finally, the importance of travelling with a reliable partner and using proper insurance is emphasized in treks to the Himalayas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Altitude Sickness / diagnosis
  • Altitude*
  • Brain Edema / complications
  • Brain Edema / diagnosis
  • Delirium / diagnosis*
  • Delirium / etiology
  • Delirium / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / complications
  • Male
  • Mountaineering*