High-altitude mountaineering and brain function: neuropsychological testing of members of a Mount Everest expedition.

There do not appear to be lasting harmful effects on brain function under hypoxic conditions encountered during high-altitude mountaineering, and the subjects completed a series of neuropsychological tests before and after the expedition.

Abstract

Concern has been raised regarding the possibility that hypoxic conditions encountered during high-altitude mountaineering may have lasting harmful effects on the human brain. Members of an expedition to Mount Everest completed a series of neuropsychological tests before and after the expedition. Exposure to altitudes above 7,200 m was limited to a maximum of four consecutive nights, separated by rest periods at lower altitudes. No significant decline in performance was observed on any test. The subjects also completed a short series of tests at different altitudes during the expedition. No significant deterioration was observed at altitudes up to 7,500 m. There do not appear to be lasting harmful effects on brain function under these conditions.