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High-altitude cerebral oedema — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineHigh-altitude cerebral oedemaDIPIMCDipIMC

A trekker at 4500 metres develops ataxia, confusion, severe headache and vomiting.

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Arrange immediate descent, give oxygen and dexamethasone

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D

Ataxia and altered mental status at altitude indicate high-altitude cerebral oedema, for which immediate descent is the definitive treatment, supported by oxygen and dexamethasone. Continuing to ascend (A) is dangerous, and nifedipine (E) is used for high-altitude pulmonary oedema rather than cerebral oedema. The key principle of altitude illness is to descend, and to descend early.

Reference: Wilderness medicine guidance; JRCALC