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[High altitude headache: epidemiology, pathophysiology, therapy and prophylaxis]
1Institut für Sportwissenschaften, Universität Innsbruck, Osterreich. Martin.Burtscher@uibk.ac.at
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|December 10, 1999
Summary
High altitude headache (HAH) affects many mountain travelers. Prostaglandin inhibitors like ibuprofen and aspirin, along with acetazolamide, are effective treatments and preventatives for HAH.
Area of Science:
- Altitude sickness research
- Neuroscience of pain
- Pharmacology of hypoxia
Context:
- Millions ascend mountains annually, facing risks of altitude sickness.
- High altitude headache (HAH) affects 20-90% of non-acclimatized individuals between 2500-5000m.
- Preventing HAH is challenging due to factors like individual susceptibility and logistical constraints.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiology and treatment of high altitude headache (HAH).
- To evaluate the efficacy of various drugs in preventing and treating HAH.
- To highlight the role of prostaglandins and cyclooxygenase inhibition in HAH.
Summary:
- HAH is a primary symptom of acute mountain sickness, often linked to sensitized intracranial pain structures rather than solely increased cerebral blood flow.
- Drugs like acetazolamide, dexamethasone, ibuprofen, and naproxen are used for HAH treatment and prevention.
- Combined acetazolamide and aspirin show significant benefits by improving oxygenation and reducing prostaglandin synthesis.
Impact:
- Provides insights into HAH pathogenesis, moving beyond the cerebral blood flow hypothesis.
- Supports the use of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors for HAH management.
- Suggests combined acetazolamide and aspirin as a highly effective strategy for HAH prevention and treatment.