Hypoxic/anoxic brain injury

Hypoxic brain injury is caused by inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain or part of the brain. Anoxic brain injury is a more severe form of this and means the complete lack of oxygen to the brain. In both cases, brain cells will be damaged and may die unless adequate oxygen supply is quickly restored.

There are many possible causes of hypoxic or anoxic brain injury. The most common cause is heart attack. In this case oxygen-carrying blood is not pumped to the brain for a number of seconds or minutes. Other causes include a lack of sufficient oxygen in the air, such as at high altitudes, suicide attempts, near-drowning, electrocution, drug overdose and exposure to toxic substances.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a hypoxic or anoxic brain injury by preventing the blood from carrying oxygen. Faulty boilers and fires often produce carbon monoxide, so these should be serviced regularly.

The effects of hypoxic or anoxic brain injury are often widespread, affecting a number of different areas of the brain. There can be a wide range of symptoms, many of which are similar to those experienced after traumatic brain injury, and include problems with cognitive (thinking) skills, emotional and behavioural difficulties and physical effects, such as vision problems, dizziness, impaired co-ordination and balance problems.

Outcome depends largely on the extent of the damage, but as with other forms of brain injury, the effects may be long-term. Rehabilitation can help to regain skills, and learn strategies for coping with those skills that have been lost or severely affected.