What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache from High-Altitudes

What is High-Altitude Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• High-Altitude Headache is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to climbing to high-altitudes, typically to 2,500 meters or more. The condition improves and spontaneously clears within a day on climbing down to a level of 1,200 meters or lower
• The headache affects both sides of the head and may be worsened by continued physical activity, such as exercising, or exertion. High-Altitude Headaches are observed in nearly 1 in 3 individuals who climb mountains to high altitudes. The risk factors for the condition include:
  • Past history of migraine
  • Low oxygen saturation levels in one’s arteries
  • Strenuous physical activities
  • Poor fluid intake (less than 2 liters of fluids in a day)
  • Any factor/condition causing venous outflow restrictions
  • Staying at high altitudes (over 1,000 m)
• The headache may be a “new” headache, or the exacerbation of a pre-existing headache may take place, which then becomes chronic. Similarly, a progression of the disorder in the absence of adequate treatment can worsen the headache. The headache is known to improve and regress on undertaking suitable management of the underlying disorder; this may involve the administration of medications such as painkillers (acetaminophen/paracetamol) and steroids

The criteria for diagnosis of High-Altitude Headache as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Ascent to altitude above 2,500 meters has occurred
• Headache fulfilling the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:

• Headache has developed in temporal relation to the ascent
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache has significantly worsened in parallel with continuing ascent
  • Headache has resolved within 24 hours after descent to below 2,500 meters
• Headache has at least two of the following three characteristics:
  • Bilateral location
  • Mild or moderate intensity
  • Aggravated by exertion, movement, straining, coughing and/or bending

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)