Article

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a symptom complex noticed commonly among high
altitude travelers. The occurrence of AMS depends on multiple factors that have
been studied extensively. However, AMS in individuals with neurological
impairments has not been considered in detail. A total of 168 subjects, including
active controls, inactive controls, and those with spinal cord injury (SCI),
multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), were studied at the
National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado, from 2007 to 2009
for the occurrence of AMS. Lake Louise Score was used to quantify symptoms. A
higher than anticipated occurrence of AMS (42.85%) among the study population was
noted, with significantly higher Lake Louis Scores among athletes with
neurological impairments. Disability group, prior history of AMS, and prior
occurrence of headache at high altitude could be used as predictors for the
development of AMS symptoms. More research is warranted specifically targeting
the interaction between factors affecting AMS and the pathophysiology of
neurological impairments like SCI and TBI to further our understanding about
prophylactic medications and treatments for AMS, especially because many military
personnel with neurological impairments continue on Active Duty.

Langue : ANGLAIS