Unlike traumatic brain injuries, which happen due to direct trauma to the head, anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen. After approximately four minutes of oxygen deprivation, the brain cells begin to die, resulting in potentially life-threatening damage.
Anoxic brain injuries are often associated with strokes, although this is only one type of anoxic brain injury.
The different kinds of anoxic brain injuries include:
Stagnant anoxia or hypoxicischemic injury can result from strokes and occurs when oxygen-carrying blood cannot reach the brain, causing oxygen deprivation.
Anemic anoxia happens when the blood cannot adequately carry enough oxygen to the brain or if there is insufficient blood to meet the brain’s oxygen needs.
Toxic anoxia happens when poisonous substances or chemicals hinder the brain’s ability to receive oxygen from blood cells.
Anoxic anoxia occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the air to breathe, resulting in suffocation.
Incidents that cause limited oxygen flow to the body could increase a person’s risk of anoxic brain damage. In these instances, CT imaging is recommended three days after the event as it will accurately show the manifestations of anoxic injury. If you have any questions about CT scanning or imaging for anoxic brain injury, speak with your physician as soon as possible.
Each anoxic brain injury case is unique. While full recovery following a severe anoxic brain injury is rare, patients with milder cases may be capable of a full or partial recovery. This depends on which area of the brain was affected and the extent of the compromised oxygen.
Anoxic brain injuries can be devastating for the sufferer and their entire family. During this extremely difficult time, you need a brain injury attorney you can trust. At Henson Fuerst, your case is important to us, and we will work hard to ensure your best chance at recovery.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today by submitting a form below or calling our office at 919-781-1107 for a free case evaluation.