Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Treatments

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition, as well as the severity of the damage to the brain. Treatment options include:

• Life-sustaining treatment—If brain function has stopped but damage is not yet extensive, life-sustaining treatment is administered.
• Mechanical ventilation —Mechanical ventilation may be needed to sustain breathing.
• Treatments for the circulatory system—Treatments are administered to maintain heart function and control blood pressure.
• Seizure control— Medications and general anesthesia may be administered to control seizures.
• Cooling blankets—Hypoxic brain damage is often caused by heat, so cooling blankets or other means of cooling may be applied to reduce the body's temperature.
• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment —This treatment is especially used in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.