Right Hand Weakness and Headache During Ascent to Mount Everest: A Case of Cerebral Venous Infarction.

BACKGROUND

The increasing popularity of trekking in alpine regions has drawn attention to high altitude-associated health concerns.

METHODS

Here, we report a case of cerebral venous infarction as a consequence of a hypercoagulable state induced by secondary polycythemia as an adaptation to high altitude.

CONCLUSIONS

When patients present focal neurological symptoms such as hemiparesis in addition to symptoms of acute mountain sickness or high-altitude cerebral edema such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, cerebral venous infarction should be considered.