The Main Signs
Severe headache.
Become clumsy.
Act differently - unhelpful, violent, lazy.
May have bad, non-stop vomiting.
Blurred vision.
See, hear, feel, smell odd things.
Confused.
Reduced consciousness.
Can they?
Touch nose with index finger with eyes closed? Repeat rapidly.
Walk heel to toe in a straight line?
Stand upright, with eyes shut and arms folded?
Do simple mental maths?
If not able to do or have difficulty doing any of the above, suspect HACE.
HACE can develop very quickly with no other problems or can follow AMS and HAPE.
What to do
Stay with the person at all times - do not leave them on their own.
Descend now - not later or in the morning.
Sit them upright and keep warm.
Give oxygen via cylinder or pressure bag if you have it.
Give dexamethasone if you have it.
Give acetazolomide if you have it.
If really unable to descend - prolonged use of a pressure bag may be needed.
Consequences
Loss of consciousness - confusion, drowsiness.
Reduced breathing.
DEATH.
In serious cases death can occur within as little as an hour of symptoms being noticed.
Remember it is possible to have AMS, HACE and HAPE at the same time.
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