What are the causes of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

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Differential Diagnosis for Altered Mental Status (AMS)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Hypoglycemia: A common and easily reversible cause of AMS, especially in diabetic patients or those with a history of skipping meals. It's crucial to check blood glucose levels promptly.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Infection (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infection): Infections can cause AMS, especially in the elderly or immunocompromised. Symptoms may include fever, chills, and localized signs of infection.
  • Medication Side Effects or Overdose: Many medications, particularly sedatives, anticholinergics, and opioids, can cause AMS. A thorough medication history is essential.
  • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although typically presenting with focal neurological deficits, some strokes (e.g., posterior circulation strokes) can cause AMS. Prompt evaluation with imaging is necessary.
  • Seizure or Post-Ictal State: A seizure can cause transient AMS, and the post-ictal state can last from minutes to hours.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Meningitis or Encephalitis: Infections of the central nervous system that can present with AMS, fever, headache, and stiff neck. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A life-threatening condition that may present with sudden severe headache and AMS. Immediate imaging is required.
  • Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS): A serious complication of diabetes that can cause AMS, especially in type 2 diabetic patients.
  • Wernicke's Encephalopathy: A condition caused by thiamine deficiency, often seen in alcoholics, which can lead to irreversible brain damage if not treated promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Hashimoto's Encephalopathy: A rare condition associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, presenting with AMS, seizures, and stroke-like symptoms.
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A rare, degenerative, and fatal brain disorder that can cause rapid deterioration of mental and physical abilities.
  • Reye's Syndrome: A rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain, often associated with the use of aspirin during viral infections.
  • Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the brain and liver, which can cause neurological symptoms, including AMS.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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