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Suddenly symptomatic brain tumors at altitude.
D R Shlim1, K Nepal, H J Meijer
1CIWEC Clinic, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Neurologic symptoms at high altitudes usually resolve with descent. However, persistent symptoms after descending may indicate brain tumors, which can suddenly become symptomatic at high altitudes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Altitude Medicine
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a recognized condition causing transient neurologic symptoms.
- Symptoms of HACE typically resolve upon descent from high altitudes.
Observation:
- This report details three cases where patients presented with new-onset neurologic symptoms at high altitudes.
- These symptoms persisted even after descent, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Previously unsuspected brain tumors were diagnosed in all three patients.
- This represents the first reported instances of brain tumors suddenly becoming symptomatic at high altitudes.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider intracranial lesions, such as brain tumors, in patients with persistent neurologic symptoms after high-altitude exposure.
- This finding expands the differential diagnosis for altitude-related neurologic conditions.