Hypoxic Brain Injury (HBI) refers to brain damage resulting from a partial lack of oxygen. Brain damage due to a complete absence of oxygen is referred to as Anoxic Brain Injury (ABI).
The human brain uses approximately 20% of the body’s supply of oxygen. When the oxygen flow is impeded due to injury, disease or some other medical condition, the results may be deadly. Brain cells begin to die after only four minutes when deprived of sufficient oxygen. Permanent brain damage can occur in as little as five minutes.
Causes of HBI:
- Choking
- Near drowning
- Suffocation/strangulation
- Smoke inhalation
- Stroke
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Traumatic brain injury – A violent impact to the head, such as from a motor vehicle accident, physical assault, or a trip and fall incident
- Cardiac arrest
- Injury to the trachea (windpipe)
- High altitudes
- Drug abuse
Injuries Due to HBI:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Problems with concentration, attention and focus
- Memory loss
- Decreased coordination
- Brain death
