The brain at high altitude

The sport of high-altitude climbing encompasses a number of factors of stress that supersede the usual endurance activities at lower altitudes. The effect of hypoxia on both physical and mental performance can be profound and, therefore, compound the risk. Much is yet to be known, particularly about the brain. Hopefully, a better understanding of the effect of hypoxia on neurotransmitters, the effect of hypoxemia on blood flow to all areas of the brain, and the potential subsequent anatomic changes that may take place are all yet to be discovered. Perhaps the more we know about it, the more appropriate it will be to call climbing a "no-brainer."