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