Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Acute mountain sickness (AMS). This is a syndrome that develops with rapid ascent to altitudes >2,000m. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Description
- This is a syndrome that develops with rapid ascent to altitudes >2,000m
- It is related to hypoxia and low barometric pressure
Epidemiological features
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Clinical features
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Diagnostic tool: The Lake Louise AMS Score
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Prevention
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Treatment
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References
- Burtscher M, Hefti U, Hefti JP. High-altitude illnesses: old stories and new insights into the pathophysiology, treatment and prevention. Sports Med Health Sci 2021; 3:59-69.
- Roach RC, Hackett PH, Oelz O, et al. The 2018 Lake Louise Acute Mountain Sickness Score. High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:4-6.
- Muza SR, Beidleman BA, Fulco CS. Altitude preexposure recommendations for inducing acclimatization. High Alt Med Biol 2010 Summer; 11:87-92.
- Kanaan NC, Peterson AL, Pun M, et al. Prophylactic acetaminophen or ibuprofen results in equivalent acute mountain sickness incidence at high altitude: a prospective randomized trial. Wilderness Environ Med 2017; 28:72-78.
- Gao D, Wang Y, Zhang R, Zhang Y. Efficacy of acetazolamide for the prophylaxis of acute mountain sickness: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials. Ann Thorac Med 2021; 16:337-346.
