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Subtle Cognitive Dysfunction in Resolving High Altitude Cerebral Edema Revealed by a Clock Drawing Test.

Authors :
Quigley, Ian
Zafren, Ken
Source :
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Elsevier Science); Jun2016, Vol. 27 Issue 2, p256-258, 3p
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a life-threatening condition that can affect people who ascend to altitudes above 2500 m. Altered mental status and the presence of ataxia distinguishes HACE from acute mountain sickness (AMS). We describe a patient with subtle cognitive dysfunction, likely due to HACE that had not fully resolved. When he initially presented, the patient appeared to have normal mental status and was not ataxic. The diagnosis of HACE was missed initially but was made when further history became available. Cognitive dysfunction was then diagnosed based on abnormal performance of a clock drawing test. A formal mental status examination, using a clock drawing test, may be helpful in assessing whether a patient at high altitude with apparently normal mental status and with normal gait has HACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10806032
Volume :
27
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (Elsevier Science)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
116088088
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2015.12.006