Cerebral hypoxia
Cerebral hypoxia Causes
Cerebral hypoxia can be caused by a number of factors that occur internally or externally, which interferes with the brain's functioning in receiving or processing oxygen. These may include drowning, extremely low blood pressure, drug overdose, cardiac arrest, birth injuries, strangulation or choking, asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation, compression of trachea, high altitudes, carbon monoxide poisoning, or complications with general anesthesia. Other symptoms may be severe cases of asthma, and some types of anemia. An individual working in a nitrogen heavy environment may also be at risk for cerebral hypoxia.
Cerebral hypoxia Definition
Cerebral hypoxia occurs when the brain cannot get sufficient oxygen supply. Four classifications divide the other forms of cerebral hypoxia. A milder form of the disease is known as diffuse cerebral hypoxia, wherein brain impairment occurs due to low blood oxygen levels. Focal cerebral ischema is a localized reduction in the transport of oxygen from the blood to the brain. Mild strokes may occur, and the neuron damage in this case is irreversible. Cerebral infarction occurs when the oxygen flow from blood to a part of the brain is completely stopped, causing significant and irreversible brain damage. Global cerebral ischema is the last category, wherein the blood completely stops flowing to the brain.
Cerebral hypoxia Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of cerebral hypoxia depend on the severity of the case. Mild cases produce symptoms such as inattentiveness, uncoordinated movement, and poor judgment, as well as a decrease in short-term memory. Prolonged cerebral hypoxia during mild cases will result in problems with motor control and cognitive disturbances. Symptoms will also be visible physically, such as when the skin turns blue. Increase in heart rate will also be evident. Even more prolonged situations would result in loss of consciousness, fainting, seizures, coma, decreased brain stem reflex, and brain death.
Cerebral hypoxia Treatment
Treatment for cerebral hypoxia will depend on the severity of the situation. The main goal is to be able to provide oxygen to the brain. Mild cases will do with inhaled oxygen, but more severe cases will require life support. If the patient is already experiencing seizures as a result of the cerebral hypoxia, medications such as phenytoin, Phenobarbital, general anesthetics, and valporic acid can suppress it. In cases where the patient has already entered a coma, wherein breathing reflexes will need additional support, mechanical ventilation is required. Extreme cases that also cause the heart to stop pumping will require epinephrine, defibrillation, CPR, and atropine may be used to resume the pumping of the heart.