Patients become irrational, drowsy and confused over a period of hours and their walking becomes unsteady. Double vision may occur. Again the condition is a serious one and evacuation to low altitudes mandatory. In both these conditions medical advice is desirable though it may well not be available. Anyone suspected of having pulmonary or cerebral oedema should be evacuated to lower altitude promptly and should certainly not go high again until they have been seen by a doctor.
Complete recovery is usual in both if they have been treated early and appropriately.
This is Peripheral Oedema. This usually subsides over several days and does not herald Pulmonary or Cerebral Oedema. Complete recovery is usual. Summary Acute Mountain Sickness is a common and minor, though debilitating problem of high altitude. More detailed notes about treatment follow.