Search 33,000+ CME courses
Back

StatPearls, LLC

  • Acetazolamide
  • Altitude Sickness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Hypoxia

Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common manifestation of high-altitude exposure, marked by headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sleep disturbance occurring within 6 to 12 hours of ascent above 2,500 meters. Etiologic factors include hypobaric hypoxia, rapid ascent, prior history of AMS, and preexisting cardiopulmonary conditions. Risk factors encompass young age, high physical exertion, dehydration, and insufficient acclimatization. The pathophysiology involves hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilation, mild interstitial edema, and increased sympathetic activity. Clinical presentation ranges from mild headache and gastrointestinal symptoms to impaired cognition and functional limitation. Diagnosis is clinical, often guided by the Lake Louise Scoring System. Management prioritizes gradual ascent, rest, hydration, and pharmacologic agents such as acetazolamide or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Complications are uncommon, but AMS can progress to high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema if ascent continues. Prognosis is favorable with supportive care, pharmacologic therapy, and avoidance of rapid further ascent. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to advance clinical competence in evaluating and managing AMS. Learners will expand their grasp of the condition’s etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and current diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Enhanced skills will equip clinicians to work seamlessly within interprofessional teams caring for affected individuals.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPM — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABPM — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

More from StatPearls, LLC

See all

This provider’s courses closest to this one

Related courses

See all

Other providers’ courses on the same topic