Treatment of a case of high altitude cerebral edema complicated with epileptic seizure under field conditions
WANG Cheng
WANG Chun-yu
YANG Jing
WAN Dong-jun
Abstract：High-altitude cerebral edema(HACE)is a central nervous system dysfunction caused by cerebral hypoxia following rapid ascent to high altitudes,characterized by headache,vomiting,ataxia,and progressive consciousness impairment,with rapid progression and extremely high mortality.HACE complicated by seizures is rare,and diagnosis and treatment under field or resource-limited settings pose significant challenges due to limited medical resources.This report describes a 25-year-old male who developed headache and episodic loss of consciousness,accompanied by foaming at the mouth and trismus,without nausea,vomiting,chest tightness,or dyspnea,3 days after arriving at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(altitude:4 200 meters).Chest and cranial CT scans revealed no significant abnormalities.Based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings,HACE-induced seizures were diagnosed.Following HACE management protocols,antiepileptic drugs were promptly administered.The patient was transferred to a tertiary hospital for further rehabilitation after 3 days.At a 2-week follow-up,the patient was fully conscious,with complete resolution of headache and no recurrent seizures.This case underscores the importance of early recognition and comprehensive management of HACE complicated by seizures in austere environments,aiming to enhance awareness and clinical preparedness for such critical conditions.
Keywords：High-altitude cerebral edemaEpilepsyField conditionsTreatment
Publication Date：2025-02-25
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：2( 127-128 )