Warning Signs Of Altitude Sickness

Dizzy Spells

As indicated, altitude sickness can lead to dizzy spells. Getting lightheaded is an early symptom of altitude sickness and is due to not getting enough oxygen. Lightheadedness can be followed by the world feeling like it is spinning; sometimes patients blackout. Dizziness can also cause disequilibrium, which is when an individual has difficulty walking or standing steadily. Passing out is possible if the affected individual does not return to a lower altitude. Experiencing dizziness while skiing or climbing at high altitudes is a cause for alarm. If a patient with altitude sickness gets out of high elevations in time, the dizzy spells should subside within a couple of days.

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Persistent Headache

Persistent headache is another early warning sign of altitude sickness. Headaches caused by altitude sickness can be either all around the head or in a specific spot on the forehead. The pain these headaches cause is typically very painful and throbs. It is sometimes described as being similar to a migraine and may cause nausea. If someone with this type of headache moves too much or coughs, the pain usually worsens. The pain also gets worse when the patient lies down. Individuals typically get this type of headache a few hours or a few days after reaching a high altitude. Unlike some of the other symptoms of altitude sickness, these headaches are not entirely caused by oxygen deprivation. Rather, it is thought increased intracranial pressure is the cause.

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