High altitude cerebral edema may be preceded by acute mountain sickness or high altitude pulmonary edema. The ataxia is accompanied by clumsy hand or finger movements. Headaches will be more severe than with acute mountain sickness, hallucinations may develop as the condition progresses. The higher the altitude, the greater the impairment of function and perception will be. This condition can also progress from mild to life threatening very quickly.
Most people recover from acute mountain sickness quickly after being moved to a lower altitude.
Increased oxygen to the body helps to relieve symptoms. Mild acute mountain sickness is usually treated by replacing fluids lost during sweating and rapidly breathing dry, thin air. Persons with high altitude pulmonary edema need to be observed closely. Usually bed rest and oxygen therapy are enough. If this doesn't relieve symptoms, the person should be taken to a lower altitude at once.