The human brain uses around one-fifth of the oxygen the body uses to function. This fact alone shows just how important it is for the brain to have oxygen at all times. When the brain doesn't get the oxygen it needs to function, it is likely that the person will suffer a hypoxic-anoxic brain injury. This type of brain injury is very serious.
The outcome and recovery of a person with this type of brain injury varies depending on the severity of the damage and the area of the brain that was damaged. Overall, it is difficult to predict what type of recovery and what extent of recovery are going to occur in any given case.
Lack of oxygen to the brain can start to have a negative impact in minutes because brain cells can become damaged or die in a short period of time. Hypoxic-anoxic brain injuries are caused by several different types of conditions, including those that prevent oxygen rich blood from reaching the brain and those that prevent oxygen from entering the body.
Loss of consciousness, decreased short-term memory, visual disturbances, changes in executive functions and changes in motion are all symptoms of a hypoxic-anoxic brain injury. These symptoms can all make it difficult for the person with the injury to carry on with normal life activities, so the person might need long-term care. This can be hard on the loved ones who are responsible for that care.
Brain injuries that are caused by oxygen deficiency can be rather serious. If that injury was caused by an accident that included negligence on another person's part, it might be time to explore the option of seeking compensation.
Source: Family Caregiver Alliance, "Hypoxic-Anoxic Brain Injury," accessed Dec. 09, 2016
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