Brain is said to be the computer or mastermind of the human body. This specific vital organ plays a great role in humans. We all know how devastating it can be when the brain is injured or affected by disease. If you ask a doctor, you would know that there are many health conditions that directly or indirectly affect the brain. One of the conditions that can harm humans is cerebral hypoxia. In this DoctorOnCall’s article, we will learn about cerebral hypoxia.
To understand more about cerebral hypoxia, it is best to know a bit more on cerebral which is associated with the brain. The brain is divided into the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum. The cerebrum is known as the front of the brain and is the largest part of the brain. It plays many brain functions such as thinking, emotions, learning, speaking and other senses like vision and hearing. The brainstem is the middle part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. Cerebellum is located at the back of the head.
Hence, when we talk about cerebral hypoxia, it means there is insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. Any part or all part of the brain affected by the lack of oxygen can be described with the term cerebral hypoxia. The decreased oxygen supply to the brain can occur although there is adequate blood flow. Cerebral hypoxia and cerebral anoxia are terms that are used interchangeably and may lead to confusion. While cerebral hypoxia is referred to the partial supply of oxygen to the brain, cerebral anoxia is referred to the complete cut off oxygen supply to the brain.
There are many causes that can lead to cerebral hypoxia. These causes can either cause interruption to the oxygen supply or a complete halt to the oxygen supply for the brain. Among the causes are head trauma, cardiac arrest, carbon monoxide poisoning, breathing in smoke, drowning, strangulation and prolonged seizures. Cerebral hypoxia is a serious condition as prolonged cerebral hypoxia can cause the nerves in the brain to die. This is because brain cells themselves are sensitive to low levels of oxygen. Furthermore, some brain cells start to die in less than 5 minutes once oxygen supply is diminished.
Due to the cerebral hypoxia is a serious condition, understanding the symptoms can help people to get medical care immediately. Symptoms start off with changes in attention, poor judgement, speech disorder and uncoordinated movement. When it becomes worse, it can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures. In severe case, it can lead to coma and brain death. Since there are many causes that can lead to cerebral hypoxia, knowing the possible event or any trauma before the symptoms occur can be very helpful.
When there is a patient suspected of cerebral hypoxia, medical personnels such as a doctor will try to obtain the relevant information from family members or bystanders who have witnessed the patients. This is important to know what the event is and to understand the possible cause. Knowing the cause can help doctors to provide the appropriate treatment after the patient is stabilised. Ensuring the patient is stabilised is usually the first step before other treatment could be given. This often includes resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, fluid therapy, blood products and medications.
The outcome from the disease will depend on the extent of the brain injury. This will be based on the duration of the brain lacking oxygen and if the nutrition supplying the brain is affected. In mild to moderate cases, tackling the cause of the cerebral hypoxia will restore the oxygen supply. When the oxygen supply is lacking for a short period of time, coma may be reversible and patients may return to their function completely or partially. Although many body functions can be restored, some may be left with abnormal movements such as twitching or jerking. In severe cases, life support is needed.
Prolonged cerebral hypoxia can predispose to complications such as persistent vegetative states, seizures and other neurological abnormalities. A person with vegetative state may seem awake but shows no sign of awareness. This means they may open their eyes, wake up and fall asleep at interval time but do not respond to their surroundings. These people typically do not survive more than a year, as matter of fact, most will die within 6 months due to brain damage. Even so, some may actually survive for 2 to 5 years. Despite surviving from the vegetative state, only few can live independently with none able to function normally.
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It can be concluded that cerebral hypoxia is a condition where there is disruption to the oxygen supply for the brain. It can cause permanent brain damage when it is not treated promptly. There are many causes or events that can contribute to cerebral hypoxia. It is important to treat cerebral hypoxia and its underlying causes to improve patient’s survival and function. Most cases of cerebral hypoxia are found in emergency settings.
