Pathophysiology of AMS

Fig. Pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS). This schema emphasizes a role for blood–brain barrier opening (BBB), brain swelling and cerebrospinal compliance (CSC). Although highly speculative at present, new non-invasive and sensitive techniques will allow measurement of the variables necessary to evaluate this hypothesis. pCap, cerebral capillary perfusion pressure; cCSF, cranial cerebrospinal fluid; ICP, intracranial pressure; CBV, cerebral blood volume; CBF, cerebral blood flow.

It is remarkable how many people mistakenly believe that a headache at altitude is "normal"; it is not. Denial is also common - be willing to admit that you have altitude illness, that's the first step to staying out of trouble.

Pathophysiology of AMS                Diagnosis of AMS                 Treatment of AMS