Pronounced: An-OKS-ik
Anoxic brain damage happens when the brain receives inadequate oxygen for several minutes or longer. Brain cells begin to die after approximately four minutes without oxygen.
Anoxic brain damage may occur when:
The following accidents and health problems increase your risk of anoxic brain damage:
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:
Many people with mild brain damage can usually recover much of their neurologic function or successfully learn to live with any remaining disabilities.
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:
Treatment of anoxic brain damage depends on the cause. Initially, barbiturates may be used to slow down brain activity. Steroids and other medications may be used to reduce the swelling that accompanies injured brain tissue. This may help limit the amount of damage to the brain. The doctor will also increase the amount of oxygen reaching the brain. Efforts to cool the brain may also be used to help limit brain damage. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be used in cases of anoxia due to carbon monoxide poising.
During rehabilitation, you and your family will work with:
Recovery can take months, or even years. In many cases, full recovery is never achieved. In general, the sooner rehabilitation starts, the better the outcome.
Your doctor may have you take the following medications:
To reduce the risk of anoxic brain damage:
RESOURCES:
American Brain Injury Society
http://www.bisociety.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Brain Injury Association of Alberta
http://www.biaa.ab.ca/
Ontario Brain Injury Association
http://www.obia.on.ca/
References:
Albano C, Comandante L, Nolan S. Innovations in the management of cerebral injury. Crit Care Nurs Q . 2005;28:135-149.
Biagas K. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: advancements in the understanding of mechanisms and potential avenues for therapy. Curr Opin Pediatr . 1999;11:223-228.
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2008: chap 269.
Hopkins R, Haaland K. Neuropsychological and neuropathological effects of anoxic or ischemic induced brain injury. J Int Neuropsychol Soc . 2004;10:957-961.
Juul S. Erythropoietin in the central nervous system, and its use to prevent hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Acta Paediatr Suppl . 2002;91:36-42.
Ramani R. Hypothermia for brain protection and resuscitation. Current Opinions in Anesthesiology . 2006;19:487-491.
Last reviewed January 2009 by J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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