What Causes Anoxic Brain Injuries?
Anoxic brain injuries are caused by a lack of sufficient oxygen to the brain. When brain cells are deprived of oxygen for more than four minutes, the cells begin to die, causing irreparable damage to the brain. Any number of things can cause anoxic brain injuries, including:
- Electrocution
- Drowning
- Strokes
- Heart Attacks
- Choking
- Low Blood Pressure
- Carbon Monoxide Exposure
- Brain Tumors
Symptoms of Anoxic Brain Injuries
The most common symptom of an anoxic brain injury is a loss of consciousness. If oxygen flow is not restored, the victim will likely slip into a coma and ultimately die. Anoxic brain injuries can also lead to persistent vegetative states. If the victim regains consciousness, the individual can experience a wide range of symptoms which resemble those that are common with other types of head trauma.
After the initial cause of the anoxic brain injury has been identified and addressed, the individual may continue to experience residual symptoms from the injury, including:
- Lack of coordination
- Limb weakness
- Difficulty doing common tasks
- Movement disorders
- Headaches
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty using words or processing their meaning
- Visual difficulty or disturbances
Getting care for an Anoxic Brain Injury
As with many brain injuries, time is of the essence. If the underlying cause is not identified quickly and addressed, there is serious risk for permanent brain injury or brain death. Failure to adequately diagnose the underlying cause of an anoxic brain injury may amount to medical malpractice and may entitle you to bring an injury claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered an anoxic brain injury, you need to speak with an attorney to discuss the situation around the injury and to explore the possibility of pursuing a claim against anyone who may have caused or contributed to the injury. At the Ernst Law Group, we represent individuals and families whose lives have been affected by brain injuries and can help you explore whether or not legal action would be appropriate in your situation.
