| Traumatic brain injury can damage the brain, but | | | | factors, including: |
| acquired brain injury can also cause permanent brain | | | | * An obstructed airway, as with choking or |
| damage through anoxic brain injury. Anoxic brain | | | | strangulation, a severe asthma attack or allergic |
| injury occurs when the brain does not receive | | | | reaction, or trauma to the head, neck or chest; |
| oxygen due to an interruption in blood flow or | | | | * A near-drowning; |
| breathing, or some toxin prevents blood from being | | | | * Receiving electric shock/electrocution or being hit |
| delivered to or used by the brain. The lack of oxygen | | | | by lightning; |
| results in cell death. The level of injury is determined | | | | * Severe bleeding; |
| by how long the brain is deprived of oxygen. Brain | | | | * Heart attack, stroke or aneurysm; |
| cells begin to die after four minutes. Permanent injury | | | | * Exposure to toxins through illegal drug use, carbon |
| can take place in five minutes. | | | | monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, etc.; or |
| With anemic anoxia, the blood is unable to carry | | | | * Some diseases, including meningitis, tumors, |
| enough oxygen to the brain. Also, when toxins are | | | | hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, hepatic |
| blocking oxygen and blood flow from reaching the | | | | encephalopathy, uremic encephalopathy, etc. |
| brain, it is known as toxic anoxia. With anoxic anoxia, | | | | Anoxic Brain Injury: Diagnosis and Treatment |
| no oxygen is being supplied to the brain because | | | | Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam and an |
| breathing has stopped or blood flow is impaired. | | | | interview, if the patient is conscious. Diagnostic tests |
| Hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain's oxygen | | | | such as a CT scan, MRI or EEG |
| supply is reduced, rather than cut off completely. | | | | (electroencephalogram) may be used to determine |
| Anoxic brain injury is an acquired brain injury, rather | | | | the nature and extent of the brain damage. |
| than a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The brain is usually | | | | Immediate treatment is to establish an airway and |
| physically injured in a TBI injury when a blunt force is | | | | provide oxygen for the patient. Respiratory |
| hit against the skull. Anoxic brain injury leads to a | | | | assistance, such as CPR or a ventilator, may be |
| change in the activity of the neurons, which can | | | | necessary. Further treatment options may include the |
| produce varying types and levels of impairment. | | | | use of barbiturates to slow down brain activity, and |
| Because the brain damage occurs at a cellular level, | | | | steroids or other medications to reduce brain swelling. |
| rather than to a specific area as with traumatic brain | | | | Treatments to increase the amount of oxygen to |
| injury, the entire brain can be affected. | | | | the brain, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, may |
| Symptoms of Anoxic Brain Injury | | | | be used. |
| Symptoms can be similar to those seen with | | | | An anoxic brain injury often requires a specific form |
| traumatic brain injury, but some are seen more | | | | of rehabilitation. Not only will the victim require |
| often, or are more pronounced, in someone with an | | | | behavioral and emotional counseling because of the |
| acquired brain injury. These can include: | | | | injury but rehabilitating therapy includes physical, |
| * Loss of consciousness; | | | | occupational and speech; but brain injury is rarely |
| * Seizures; | | | | completely curable. Recovery can be a long process |
| * Memory is heavily affected as well as focus of | | | | that depends on the level of damage, and is often |
| attention; | | | | incomplete. Brain damage treatment is typically aimed |
| * A longer time in a coma or vegetative state; | | | | at improving the patient's quality of life. |
| * Significant behavioral changes, including depression, | | | | If you or a loved one has suffered from an anoxic |
| restlessness and hostility; and | | | | brain injury or a form of traumatic brain injury, you |
| * Impaired motor control. | | | | may wish to consult with an experienced traumatic |
| A mild to moderate anoxic brain injury can produce | | | | brain injury attorney. Your TBI lawyer can help you |
| headaches, confusion, mood swings, decreased | | | | gain access to the resources you need and help you |
| concentration and attention span. | | | | attain monetary compensation for brain injury |
| Causes of Anoxic Brain Injury | | | | acquired through negligence or employment. |
| Anoxic brain injury can be caused by a variety of | | | | |