Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosing Anoxic Brain Injuries

Anoxic brain injuries differ from other types of brain injuries in their cause. Anoxic brain injuries occur when somehow the oxygen flow to the brain is interrupted. Since the blood is the vehicle that carries the oxygen to the brain, typically an anoxic brain injury will occur when somehow this blood flow is disrupted.

There are many different ways that someone can incur an anoxic brain injury. Many of these ways can often be to the negligence of others which may entitle the victim to compensation as provided by the law. Anoxic brain injuries can happen when the victim is strangled or chokes. This sort of brain injury can also occur in conjunction with a blow to the skull or even the spine or chest. Allergic reactions can bring about a disruption of oxygen to the brain causing an anoxic brain injury. Severe bleeding, heart attacks, strokes or aneurysms can also be factors in this type of brain injury. Accidents resulting in electrocution can also cause the victim to sustain an anoxic brain injury.

Anoxic brain injuries can be diagnosed with the tools used to diagnose other head injuries. An examination would occur and usually be followed by lab tests. These lab tests could be a CAT scan, EEG or an MRI. These tests provide your physician with information about the extent of the brain damage incurred from the oxygen loss. From here you physician can decide upon what sort of treatment your injuries will necessitate.

When treating an anoxic brain injury, there are different types of treatment options that may be pursued. Some may require immediate treatment to restore oxygen flow using a ventilator. Pharmaceuticals interventions may be needed as well. These can help alleviate any swelling within the brain or possible make the activity in the brain slow down. Oxygen therapy can also be an option to restore oxygen levels in the brain. There may also be long term care required for a person with an anoxic brain injury. These can be quite costly. Should your injury be the result of someone else's fault you may be entitled to financial compensation to assist with these expenses.