What is high altitude cerebral edema?
A person with high altitude cerebral edema has brain swelling, caused by exposure to high altitude. Cerebral edema causes the brain to malfunction. High altitude cerebral edema is life threatening without urgent treatment. About 12% of people develop symptoms of high altitude illness at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Only a small percentage of people with high altitude illness develop cerebral edema. High altitude cerebral edema is rare at altitudes below 12,000 feet.

What are the symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema?
Initial symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema include weakness, fatigue, headache, and nausea. Symptoms of worsening high altitude cerebral edema include vomiting, difficulty with balance, lethargy, confusion, and seizures.

How does the doctor treat high altitude cerebral edema?
High altitude cerebral edema is a medical emergency. Treatment for high altitude cerebral edema includes immediate descent to a lower altitude. Additional treatment for high altitude cerebral edema may include oxygen therapy and hyperbaric therapy.