Cognitive Dysfunction Following High Mountain Climbing

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 29(1); 2011 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2011;29(1): 40-44.

고산 등반 이후 발생한 인지기능장애

이형, 류성열 a 이현아

계명대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실, 내과학교실 a

Cognitive Dysfunction Following High Mountain Climbing

Hyung Lee

Departments of Neurology and Internal Medicine , Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea

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. Key Words: Acute mountain sickness, Globus pallidus, Cognitive dysfunction