Delirium at high altitude.
A 35-year-old man on a trek to the Mount Everest region of Nepal presented with a sudden, acute confusional state at an altitude of about 5000 m. Although described at higher altitudes, delirium presenting alone has not been documented at 5000 m or at lower high altitudes. The differential diagnosis which includes acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema is discussed. Finally, the importance of travelling with a reliable partner and using proper insurance is emphasized in treks to the Himalayas.
Basnyat
Buddha
B
Nepal International Clinic, Himalayan Rescue Association, Patan Hosptial, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. Rishibas@wlink.com.np
D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D009051:Mountaineering