The term cerebral hypoxia is used to describe a condition found in some brain injuries. Cerebral hypoxia occurs when the brain unable to obtain an adequate amount of oxygen despite the presence of an adequate flow of blood.
There can be many reasons why a victim might suffer cerebral hypoxia. Some examples are drowning, strangling, carbon monoxide poisoning or choking. It is often important to know that sometimes, the effects of general anesthesia can be conducive to conditions that might eventually result in cerebral hypoxia.
The effects of how cerebral hypoxia might affect the victim are generally linked to the amount of time the brain has been deprived of oxygen. Typically, brain cells begin to die after five minutes without oxygen. A victim suffering from a mild case of cerebral hypoxia might exhibit symptoms of inattentiveness, memory loss or a decrease in motor coordination. More severe cases of cerebral hypoxia include symptoms such as comas, seizures and even brain death in the most extreme cases.
For many victims of cerebral hypoxia, their prognosis for recovery is grim. Some victims are fortunate and make a full recovery. However, others have little chance of making a meaningful recovery. Those victims may require expensive, long-lasting medical treatments and care.
If you suspect that someone you know may have suffered cerebral hypoxia due to a preventable accident there are a few things you should know. Your Florida personal injury attorney can assist your friend or loved one in seeking compensation for his or her brain injury. If successful, that victim can recover money damages that may provide for his or her past and future medical needs.
It is important to remember that Florida law places a time limit on a victim’s ability to sue. Taking prompt action now can help prevent a victim’s personal injury lawsuit from becoming barred by a statute of limitations.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, “What is Cerebral Hypoxia?” accessed Feb. 02, 2015