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