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Information about High Altitude Cerebral Edema

High altitude cerebral edema
Classification & external resources
ICD-9993.2
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.[1] 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.

Climbers may also suffer high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

References

1. ^ AAR Thompson. Altitude facts. Apex (Altitude Physiology Expeditions). Retrieved on 2007-03-06.

External Links

For other uses of "ICD", see ICD (disambiguation).


The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD
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The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. These codes are in the public domain.

See also


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Altitude sickness
Classification & external resources

ICD-10 T 70.2
ICD-9 E902.0

DiseasesDB 8375 29615

eMedicine med/3225  
MeSH D000532 Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) or
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High altitude are regions on the Earth's surface (or in its atmosphere) that are high above mean sea level. The composition and temperature of the atmosphere at high altitude is substantially different than at sea level.
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Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormones. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. Its potency is about 40 times that of hydrocortisone.
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A Gamow bag is an inflatable pressure bag that is large enough to fit a person inside. By inflating the bag with a foot pump, the effective altitude can be decreased as much as 1500 meters (5,000 feet). It is primarily used for treating severe cases of altitude sickness.
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High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema that occurs in otherwise healthy mountaineers at altitudes above  m ( ft).
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High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema that occurs in otherwise healthy mountaineers at altitudes above  m ( ft).
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