Hypoxic brain injury

Any incident that restricts the flow of oxygen to the brain has the capacity to cause permanent damage. The brain uses 20% of the body’s oxygen intake. A complete interruption in the supply of oxygen is termed anoxia. A restriction in supply is called hypoxia.

Cerebral hypoxia/anoxia can occur following a wide variety of incidents including carbon monoxide inhalation; electric shock; near drowning; asthma attack or complication of general anaesthesia.

It can be very difficult to assess the extent of damage caused by an episode of anoxia or hypoxia. The prognosis is often uncertain and may depend on a number of factors including the duration of the episode and any subsequent coma and the age of the individual. This lack of certainty can be particularly distressing for families.

If a loved one has suffered a hypoxic / anoxic brain injury and you need advice on your options then contact us for a confidential discussion.