Mountain Medicine: Scoring System of AMS

Scoring System of AMS

 

The Lake Louise Consensus on
the Definition of Altitude Illness

 

AMS







In the setting of a recent gain in altitude, the presence of headache and at least one of the following symptoms:

 

- gastrointestinal (anorexia, nausea or vomiting)
- fatigue or weakness
- dizziness or light headedness
- difficulty sleeping

HACE






Can be considered "end stage" or severe AMS. In the setting of a recent gain in altitude, either:

 

- the presence of a change in mental status and/or ataxia in a person with AMS
- or , the presence of both mental status changes and ataxia in a person without AMS

HAPE












In the setting of a recent gain in altitude, the presence of the following:

 

Symptoms: at least two of:

 

 

- dyspnoea at rest
- cough
- weakness or decreased exercise performance
- chest tightness or congestion

 

Signs: at least two of:

 

 

- crackles or wheezing in at least one lung field
- central cyanosis
- tachypnea
- tachycardia

©2004 Mountain Medicine Society of Nepal