Fulminant high altitude blindness

J Travel Med. 2016 Sep 5;23(6):taw057. doi: 10.1093/jtm/taw057. Print 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Prolonged altitude exposure even with acclimatization continues to present a physiological challenge to all organ systems including the central nervous system. We describe a case of a 41-year-old Caucasian female climber who suffered severe visual loss that was due to possible optic nerve pathology occurring during a high altitude expedition in the Himalayas. This case is atypical of classic high altitude cerebral oedema and highlights yet another danger of prolonged sojourn at extreme altitudes.

Keywords: : Mountain medicine; HACE; blindness; high altitude.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Altitude Sickness / complications*
  • Altitude Sickness / diagnosis
  • Blindness / diagnosis
  • Blindness / etiology*
  • Brain Edema / diagnosis
  • Brain Edema / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mountaineering*
  • Nepal
  • Risk Factors