Clark C F, Heaton R K, Wiens A N
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1983 Mar;54(3):202-7.
This prospective study examined the possibility of long lasting CNS sequelae of high altitude exposure in mountaineering. An extensive battery of neuropsychological and personality tests was given to 22 subjects before and after Himalayan climbs above 5334 m (17,500 ft). All subjects were at altitude for long periods without supplemental oxygen, but did not suffer other physical insults such as serious injury or food or water deprivation. Although several climbers experienced acute effects of mountain sickness while at altitude, their post-climb evaluations revealed no evidence of lasting cerebral dysfunction or psychological deficit. A few climbers' subjective ratings of mental functioning were worse after their expeditions, but these self-assessments were unsupported by their performances on the objective testing. It was concluded that in healthy people who do not suffer other physical insults as well, acute CNS effects of low oxygen tensions during high altitude climbs are reversible.
这项前瞻性研究探讨了登山过程中高海拔暴露导致长期中枢神经系统后遗症的可能性。对22名受试者在攀登喜马拉雅山海拔超过5334米（17,500英尺）之前和之后进行了一系列广泛的神经心理学和人格测试。所有受试者在高海拔地区长时间停留且未补充氧气，但未遭受其他身体损伤，如严重受伤、食物或水短缺。尽管几名登山者在高海拔时经历了高原病的急性影响，但他们攀登后的评估显示没有持久脑功能障碍或心理缺陷的证据。一些登山者在探险后对心理功能的主观评分较差，但这些自我评估并未得到客观测试表现的支持。研究得出结论，对于同样未遭受其他身体损伤的健康人来说，高海拔攀登期间低氧张力对中枢神经系统的急性影响是可逆的。
