What is the typical management for acute altitude headaches?

• A. Adequate hydration, analgesia as directed, proper ascent rate, and obtaining medical evaluation if symptoms persist
• B. Hydration and analgesia only
• C. No evaluation
• D. Increase ascent rate

Answer: (C)

Acute altitude headache is part of acute mountain sickness, and the goal is to support acclimatization and prevent progression. The typical management includes keeping the person well hydrated, treating the headache with appropriate analgesics, and ascending gradually enough to allow the body to acclimate. If symptoms persist after careful rest and supportive care, or if new symptoms appear (nausea, vomiting, worsening headache, ataxia, confusion), medical evaluation is needed because this can signal worsening AMS or progression to more serious conditions. Increasing the ascent rate would worsen symptoms, so it should be avoided. In short, hydration, analgesia, a proper, slower ascent, and medical evaluation if symptoms persist cover the standard approach.