You must be aware of the risks associated with climbing and belaying. Ensure that your expedition partners understand these dangers, as a seizure during climbing can be life-threatening.

Check that antimalarial medications do not interfere with your antiepileptic therapy.

AT ALTITUDE

➤ Avoid illnesses that may affect the effectiveness of treatment.

➤ Avoid known seizure triggers (e.g., alcohol, exhaustion).

➤ Antiepileptic medications can affect sleep and disrupt coordination.

➤ Rest is necessary after a seizure.

For individuals with epilepsy and those who have had a seizure at altitude, prophylactic anticonvulsant treatment is recommended:

➤ Acetazolamide 125–250 mg twice daily for 1–2 days before exposure, and then throughout the stay.

Individuals who have previously taken antiepileptic medications should continue their therapy during the trip – an increase in seizure frequency at altitude is usually not observed.

MANAGEMENT IN CASE OF SEIZURE

If a seizure occurs during the expedition:

➤ It is recommended to descend to a lower altitude and return to your country.

➤ Anticonvulsant prophylaxis during the return:Acetazolamide twice daily,Lorazepam 1–2 mg every 12 hours for 3–4 days.

Example: A 50-year-old woman had her first generalized seizure after landing in La Paz (4,100 m), likely triggered by altitude.

For individuals who have experienced a seizure at altitude and must fly again, Lorazepam is recommended just before the flight, a single dose of 1–2 mg orally (duration of action approx. 12 hours).

SUMMARY

➤ Control the condition before departure and during the expedition.

➤ Inform your companions about the condition and the procedures in case of a seizure.

➤ Plan pharmacological prophylaxis (Acetazolamide, Lorazepam).

➤ In case of a seizure – descend to a lower altitude and rest.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Travel at High Altitude – www.medex.org.uk

• K. Mieske et al., Journeys to High Altitude—Risks and Recommendations for Travelers with Preexisting Medical Conditions, Journal of Travel Medicine, 2010; 17(1): 48–62

• R. W. Baumgartner et al., Going High with Preexisting Neurological Conditions, High Altitude Medicine & Biology, 2007; 8(2): 108–117

• E.H. Maa, How Do You Approach Seizures in the High Altitude Traveler?, High Altitude Medicine & Biology, 2011; 12(1): 13–19

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DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

If you want to better prepare health-wise for trekking or a high-altitude expedition, you can find an extended version of the guide in the ebook "High Altitude Medicine in Practice – A Guide for Trekking and Expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains in the online training "High Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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The detailed contents of the expedition first aid kit and a precise guide to preparing an expedition kit and personal rescue set can be found in the ebook "Expedition First Aid Kit – A Complete Medical Guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check whether your health allows you to safely participate in a trek or a high-altitude expedition, it is advisable to take advantage of a medical consultation >> or a telemedicine expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare properly for the trip, and increase safety while at altitude.

07 March 2026

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

Also checkStore regulations >> Implementation: ColinMedia.eu >>