High Altitude Headache and Acute Mountain Sickness at Moderate Elevations in a Military Population During Battalion-Level Training Exercises
Abstract
Few studies have evaluated high altitude headache (HAH) and acute mountain sickness (AMS) in military populations training at moderate altitudes (2000-3000 m). In the current study, researchers interviewed active - duty personnel training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center. Participants were asked about HAH and AMS, risk factors, and treatments used. In a sample of 192 Sailors and Marines, 1 4.6% reported AMS (Lake Louise Criteria 3) and 28.5% reported HAH. Dehydration and recent arrival at altitude were significant AMS risk factors; dehydration and decreased sleep allowance were significant HAH risk factors. Among AMS - positive participants, ibuprofen users had increased likelihood of reporting threshold AMS than non - ibuprofen users (Fisher s exact test, one - sided, p less than 0.05). These results suggest that maintenance of hydration and adequate sleep allowance are critical performance requirements at altitude. Further, ibuprofen may be a reasonable treatment for the symptoms of AMS and HAH. Further study is warranted to determine if ibuprofen may a useful prophylaxis for these conditions
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA619539
Entities
People
- Darren Thomas
- Erik Viirre
- Hilary Aralis
- Jacob N. Norris
- Jeffery H. Gertsch
- Michael K. Sracic
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center