Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion AMS? on Cirque Peak hike

This is all from personal experience and not scientific in any ways.

1) Yes, overexertion and lack of sleep will play a big role in whether I develop AMS or not.
2) A headache alone may be caffeine related. I have a friend who has never developed AMS in over 30 years hanging around the Sierra. He got a headache at Finger Lake so bad he could hardly move. Brewed some strong tea and 30 minutes later he was hopping around like a rabbit. He was an avid coffee and tea drinker and went cold turkey before the trip.
3) I do not think the location of the headache means anything. I've developed it from the temple to the back of the skull.
4) Acclimating at the Horseshoe Meadows is only a good idea if you can sleep, otherwise, head over to the Portal. I have from time to time and have done better. Higher is not always better.
5) As I stated in the other thread, weather may be a factor. My own personal belief.

A few examples.

a) I was in the Sierra leisurely summiting several high peaks for approximately 5 days. I felt so good, I took a quick-for-me pace up Agassiz on the 6th day and developed a bad headache that didn't go away until I was back in Bishop.
b) I had acclimated at the HSM for a night, hiked Langley the next day, slept at Third Lake the day after, climbed Temple Crag on the 4th, lounged at Third Lake the 5th day, and developed a monstrous headache a quarter of the way up the Swiss Arete on the 6th day after spending the last 5 days above 13k and 14k with ZERO issues. Problem? Heavy cold winds came in on the 5th evening. I couldn't sleep and had to wake up at 3 AM.
c) Same as above for the first two days. Third day went to Thunderbolt Basin. Climbed Thunderbolt and Starlight the 4th day with ZERO issues. A storm was coming in the distance. It rained lightly throughout the 5th day and I developed a bad case of AMS from noon until I woke up the next morning when the storm passed.

I've had many examples all similar to the above. I believe sleep and exertion plays a critical role. I also personally believe people who are sensitive to the altitude like me may be affected by low pressure systems.