Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Potential Method for Acute Mountain Sickness Prediction

Motivation: High incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) necessitates a non-invasive and convenient way to predict AMS appropriately and thus to avoid the risks. Goal(s): To investigate the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging at sea level to predict AMS. Approach: The MRI scan (resting-state functional MRI) with and without pain stimulus before ascending to plateau and Lake Louise Score at plateau obtained from all volunteers were analyzed. The parameters in brain activities were compared in AMS and non-AMS. Results: Difference in both basic brain activities and the alterations of brain activities during pain stimulus in AMS and non-AMS were detected. Impact: Rs-fMRI could be used for investigations of AMS prediction as a noninvasive way. The basic brain activities and its alterations during pain stimulus might suggest the AMS susceptibility difference.