Anoxic Brain Injury Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Recovery from anoxic brain damage can be uncertain and can take a long time. Your chance for recovery depends on how long you were exposed to low oxygen. Severe damage may lead to a coma or a vegetative state. Mild to moderate anoxic brain damage may cause:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Decreased concentration and attention span
• Mood swings and/or personality change
• Intermittent loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Parkinson’s like syndrome
• Abnormal muscle jerks with movements

Many people with mild brain damage can usually recover much of their neurologic function or successfully learn to live with any remaining disabilities.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. You may need to see a doctor who specializes in brain problems.

These tests may be ordered to learn the extent of the brain damage and the part of the brain that is involved:

• Head CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make detailed images of the brain
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) —a test that measures the electrical activity generated by the brain
• SPECT scans—a type of CT scan that examines areas of the brain for blood flow and metabolism.
• Evoked potential tests—tests used to evaluate the visual , auditory, and sensory pathways