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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can High Altitude Affect A Concussion?

I was diagnosed with a concussion about 2 weeks ago and have been having off and on dizziness and headaches. I plan to travel from 900 feet in Texas up to 8,000 feet in Colorado and am worried my symptoms might get worse due to the change in elevation. I am also worried the my head will not heal as fast.
Mon, 8 Apr 2019
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

You are likely suffering from symptoms of postconcussive syndrome and this can continue for up to several months, sometimes long after the head injury.

You may wish to check in with your neurologist to solicit their opinion on your upcoming trip, however, I'm unaware of specific data linking speed of recovery from TBI to changes in elevation.

It is certainly possible that symptoms you are already having of headaches, dizziness, etc. could be magnified until your body becomes acclimated to the change in elevation which could take about 3 weeks. However, the speed of recovery should not be affected (so long as you are not going to Colorado to Ski or Mountain Climb!).

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
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Can High Altitude Affect A Concussion?

Hi, You are likely suffering from symptoms of postconcussive syndrome and this can continue for up to several months, sometimes long after the head injury. You may wish to check in with your neurologist to solicit their opinion on your upcoming trip, however, I m unaware of specific data linking speed of recovery from TBI to changes in elevation. It is certainly possible that symptoms you are already having of headaches, dizziness, etc. could be magnified until your body becomes acclimated to the change in elevation which could take about 3 weeks. However, the speed of recovery should not be affected (so long as you are not going to Colorado to Ski or Mountain Climb!). Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist