HACE, or High Altitude Cerebral Edema, presents with a range of neurological symptoms indicating brain swelling. These symptoms can rapidly progress and become life-threatening.
Here's a breakdown of the symptoms of HACE:
- Severe Headache: A persistent and intense headache that doesn't respond to typical pain relief.
- Loss of Coordination (Ataxia): Difficulty with balance and coordination, making walking difficult or impossible. This is often tested by asking the individual to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line.
- Weakness: Generalized weakness or weakness in specific limbs.
- Slurred Speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly, making speech difficult to understand.
- Altered Mental Status: This can manifest as:
- Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, or person.
- Memory Loss: Difficulty recalling recent events.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren't there.
- Loss of Consciousness: Unresponsiveness to stimuli. This is a very serious sign.
- Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, leading to convulsions.
It is important to recognize that HACE is a medical emergency requiring immediate descent to a lower altitude and medical attention. Any of these symptoms in a person at high altitude should be taken seriously.
