High-altitude headache: a narrative review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48208/HeadacheMed.2025.40

Keywords:

High-altitude headache, Hypobaric hypoxia, Acute mountain sickness

Abstract

Purpose of review
This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, differential diagnosis, and preventive and therapeutic strategies of High-altitude headache (HAH) to raise awareness among physicians.
Recent findings
HAH is the most common neurological symptom associated with acute mountain sickness (AMS) and has become a global health concern due to the increasing exposure to high altitudes through tourism, sports and work. Its pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, involving hypobaric hypoxia, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and trigeminovascular system activation.
Conclusions
The diagnostic criteria of the ICHD-3 and the Lake Louise Score are highlighted as essential clinical tools, especially regarding moment of evacuation. Knowledge gaps were identified in areas such as biomarkers, updated epidemiological data, diagnostic standardization and vulnerable populations. Improving understanding and management of HAH is critical as global exposure to high-altitude environments continues to rise.

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Review

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Copyright (c) 2025 Andrea Veronica Marengo, Malena Tejada , María Isabel Cusicanqui Giles , Katherine Natali Ramirez Andia (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

1.
High-altitude headache: a narrative review. Headache Med [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 31 [cited 2026 Feb. 11];16(4):263-9. Available from: https://headachemedicine.com.br/hm/article/view/1365