Traumatic brain injury can damage the brain, but acquired brain injury can also cause permanent brain damage through anoxic brain injury. Anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain does not receive oxygen due to an interruption in blood flow or breathing, or some toxin prevents blood from being delivered to or used by the brain. The lack of oxygen results in cell death. The level of injury is determined by how long the brain is deprived of oxygen. Brain cells begin to die after four minutes. Permanent injury can take place in five minutes.

With anemic anoxia, the blood is unable to carry enough oxygen to the brain. Toxic anoxia is the result of toxins that block oxygen in the blood from being used by the body. With anoxic anoxia, no oxygen is being supplied to the brain because breathing has stopped or blood flow is impaired. Hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain's oxygen supply is reduced, rather than cut off completely.

Anoxic brain injury is an acquired brain injury, rather than a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI occurs when an outside force impacts the head hard enough to physically injure the brain. Anoxic brain injury leads to a change in the activity of the neurons, which can produce varying types and levels of impairment. Because the brain damage occurs at a cellular level, rather than to a specific area as with traumatic brain injury, the entire brain can be affected.

Symptoms of Anoxic Brain Injury

Symptoms can be similar to those seen with traumatic brain injury, but some are seen more often, or are more pronounced, in someone with an acquired brain injury. These can include:

* Loss of consciousness;

* Seizures;

* Impaired cognition, especially memory and attention span;

* A longer time in a coma or vegetative state;

* Significant behavioral changes, including depression, restlessness and hostility; and

* Impaired motor control.

A mild to moderate anoxic brain injury can produce headaches, confusion, mood swings, decreased concentration and attention span.

Causes of Anoxic Brain Injury

Anoxic brain injury can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* An obstructed airway, as with choking or strangulation, a severe asthma attack or allergic reaction, or trauma to the head, neck or chest;

* A near-drowning;

* Electrocution/lightning strike;

* Severe bleeding;

* Heart attack, stroke or aneurysm;

* Exposure to toxins through illegal drug use, carbon monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, etc.; or

* Some diseases, including meningitis, tumors, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, hepatic encephalopathy, uremic encephalopathy, etc.

Anoxic Brain Injury: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam and an interview, if the patient is conscious. Diagnostic tests such as a CT scan, MRI or EEG (electroencephalogram) may be used to determine the nature and extent of the brain damage.

Immediate treatment is to establish an airway and provide oxygen for the patient. Respiratory assistance, such as CPR or a ventilator, may be necessary. Further treatment options may include the use of barbiturates to slow down brain activity, and steroids or other medications to reduce brain swelling. Treatments to increase the amount of oxygen to the brain, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, may be used.

Specialized rehabilitation can help, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as neuropsychological counseling for the behavioral and emotional aftermath of the injury; but brain injury is rarely completely curable. Recovery can be a long process that depends on the level of damage, and is often incomplete. Brain damage treatment is typically aimed at improving the patient's quality of life.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an anoxic brain injury or a form of traumatic brain injury, you may wish to consult with an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney. Your TBI lawyer can help you gain access to the resources you need and help you attain monetary compensation for brain injury acquired through negligence or employment.