Cognitive Dysfunction Following High Mountain Climbing.
- Author:
Hyung LEE
1
;
Seong Yeol RYU
;
Hyon Ah YI
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. geschwind@dsmc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Acute mountain sickness;
Globus pallidus;
Cognitive dysfunction
- MeSH:
Altitude;
Altitude Sickness;
Apathy;
Globus Pallidus;
Humans;
Memory;
Middle Aged;
Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
- From:Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
2011;29(1):40-44
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Few studies have investigated cognitive impairment associated with globus pallidal lesion after acute mountain sickness (AMS). A 54-year-old mountaineer presented with a slowed response, social withdrawal, and apathy after exposure to high altitude. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed impairment in memory and frontal function. MRI revealed bilateral globus pallidal lesions and SPECT revealed decreased blood flow in the left temporal cortex. Symptoms and imaging findings were still impaired after 3 years. We speculate that globus pallidal lesions can cause cognitive dysfunction in AMS.
