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High Altitude Cerebral Edema

What is High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)?

HACE is a severe, life-threatening form of altitude sickness that occurs when fluid accumulates in the brain due to rapid ascent to high elevations, typically above 8,000 feet. It represents a medical emergency for hikers and mountaineers, characterized by severe headache, confusion, loss of coordination, and altered mental state. HACE requires immediate descent to lower elevation and emergency medical treatment, as it can lead to coma and death if untreated. Prevention includes proper acclimatization, gradual ascent rates, and recognizing early symptoms of altitude sickness before they progress to this dangerous condition.

Related Terms

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema

HAPE

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to rapid ascent to high elevations, typically above 8,000 feet. It occurs when the body hasn't had adequate time to acclimatize to reduced oxygen levels, causing blood vessels in the lungs to leak fluid. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, coughing up pink frothy sputum, extreme fatigue, and crackling sounds in the chest. HAPE requires immediate descent to lower elevation and is a critical concern for mountaineers, high-altitude hikers, and backpackers who ascend too quickly without proper acclimatization.