Anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, which can be caused by various factors such as cardiac arrest, stroke, suffocation, or exposure to carbon monoxide. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent brain damage, and long-term rehabilitation is often required to regain cognitive functioning and independence.
Anoxic brain injury occurs when the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off for a period of time. Many different factors can prevent oxygen-carrying blood from reaching the brain, including strokes, cardiac arrest, and suffocation. Without sufficient oxygen, a person can go into a coma and suffer permanent brain damage. An individual who loses consciousness for any reason should be taken to the emergency room immediately so that doctors can detect underlying problems and limit the complications of an anoxic brain injury. Continuing medical care, physical therapy, and counseling can help a patient regain the highest possible level of cognitive functioning and independence.
Blood constantly provides a fresh supply of oxygen to the brain, rejuvenating cells and promoting regular cognitive functioning. When the blood supply is depleted, brain cells begin to die within minutes. The electrical activity between neural cells is slowed down and eventually stopped without new oxygen. There are no universal findings for how long it takes for extensive cell death to occur, although even two or three minutes in an anoxic state can lead to severe cognitive impairment.
Anoxic brain injury can occur when internal or external factors cut off blood flow. A common cause of anoxic injuries is cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart stops pumping blood due to a clot, congestion, or congenital deformity. People suffering from stroke or respiratory failure are also at risk of anoxic brain injury. Choking, suffocation, near drowning, or exposure to carbon monoxide are the most common external causes. Anoxic brain injury can also affect a newborn if they are born prematurely or with extremely low blood pressure.
The effects of an anoxic brain injury can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and the length of time the brain is deprived of oxygen. In the short term, most cases result in coma or temporary loss of consciousness. Long-term effects can include memory loss, difficulty coordinating motor movements, and hearing and vision changes. Many people lose the ability to concentrate for long periods of time, and some patients are unable to accurately process written or spoken information.
In an ambulance or emergency room, immediate steps are taken to renew the oxygen supply to the brain and prevent death. Recovery largely depends on the success of the initial treatment measures. Once a patient is stable, specialists can conduct a series of imaging and blood tests to determine the cause and severity of the patient’s injury. Lifelong rehabilitation is often needed, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy sessions.
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