A number of focal neurological conditions have been described at high altitude. This report presents two cases of isolated unilateral lateral rectus palsies developing shortly after ascent to high altitude. In both cases concomitant altitude illness was not present and symptoms resolved completely within weeks to months. Possible etiologies are discussed.
HackettP.H.HollingsheadK.F.RoachR.SchoeneR.B.MillsW.J.Cortical blindness in high altitude climbers and trekkers - a report on six cases. In: SuttonJ.R.HoustonC.S.CoatesG. eds. Hypoxia and Cold, New York: Praeger Press, 1987(abstract)
3.
HackettP.H.RoachR.SuttonJ.R.High altitude medicine. In: AuerbachP.S.GeehrE.C. eds. Management of Wilderness and Environmental Emergencies. 2nd ed.St Louis: CV Mosby Co, 1989
4.
WohnsR.N.W.Transient ischemic attacks at high altitude. Crit Care Med1986; 14, 517–518
5.
WaltonJ.Brain's Diseases of the Nervous System. 9th ed.Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1985
6.
SinghI.KhannaP.K.SrivastavaM.C.LalM.RoyS.B.SubramanyamC.S.V.Acute mountain sickness. N Engl J Med1969; 280, 175–184
7.
HoustonC.S.DickinsonJ.Cerebral form of high altitude illness. Lancet1975; ii, 758–761