Cerebral Hypoxia
Alternate Names : Hypoxic Encephalopathy
Definition This term technically refers to a lack of oxygen supply to the cerebral hemispheres (the outer portion of the brain), but it is more typically used to refer to a lack of oxygen supply to the entire brain.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
There are numerous causes of cerebral hypoxia. These include, but are not limited to:
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Drowning
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Asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation
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Very low blood pressure
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Strangling
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Injuries during birth
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Cardiac arrest (when the heart stops pumping)
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Carbon monoxide poisoning
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High altitudes
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Choking
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Compression of the trachea
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Complications of general anasthesia
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Diseases that paralyze the respiratory muscles
Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Some brain cells actually start dying just under five minutes after their oxygen supply is cut. As a result, brain hypoxia can kill or cause severe brain damage rapidly.
This is an emergency condition and the sooner medical attention is given and the oxygen supply restored, the lower the chances of severe brain damage and death.
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