Impairment higher mental functions and impaired decision making which develops at the altitude of 3080 meters and above, further add to the high mortality associated with high altitude illnesses. In hospital based studies of ischemic stroke forms 13.7/1000 of hospital admissions from high altitude areas as compared to 1.05/1000 in non high altitude areas and accounting for 21.3 – 35% of cases. Anoxia induced capillary damage, hematological alteration leading to increased viscosity and development of hypercoagulable state are suggested as the cause of ischemic strokes. A favorable good prognosis is noted in these cases with antiplatelet aggregating agents, and on evacuation to lower altitude. Hemorrhagic stroke also noted due to multiple factors including anoxia induce capillary damage, increase cerebral blood undue physical exertion at high altitude flow and development of high altitude cerebral edema. Available literature on the neuropathy at high altitude is reviewed. Twenty five cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension developing at high altitude is reported and discussed in detail. This condition is not reported so far in literature. Detailed investigations are needed to exclude other causes and sinovenous thrombosis. The latter requires anticoagulant therapy in addition to other measures. The prognosis in these case is favorable with early recognition, early treatment and on evacuation to lower altitude. The neuropathy cases can be prevented with adequate health education and proper planning before induction to high altitude. The persons who shad suffered fro stroke should avoid induction to high altitudes.

doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2005.120306