Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation Associated With High-Altitude Climbing Exposure

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Environmental Medicine
• Altitude Physiology

Background:

• High-altitude exposure presents a spectrum of neurological effects, from mild symptoms to severe cerebral edema.
• Individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions are generally advised against high-altitude travel due to potential symptom exacerbation.
• While environmental factors can trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, high altitude has not been previously identified as a trigger.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of multiple sclerosis exacerbation potentially triggered by high-altitude exposure.
• To highlight the need to consider high altitude as a possible environmental trigger for MS relapses.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an active duty U.S. Air Force serviceman.
• Documenting neurological symptoms following ascent and descent of Mt. Fuji within a single day.

Main Results:

• The serviceman experienced a multiple sclerosis exacerbation after ascending and descending Mt. Fuji.
• This event occurred despite no prior reports linking high-altitude exposure to MS exacerbations.

Conclusions:

• High-altitude exposure may represent an un recognized environmental trigger for multiple sclerosis exacerbations.
• Further investigation is warranted to understand the relationship between altitude and MS activity.