What is Cerebral Hypoxia?

Cerebral hypoxia is a condition where the oxygen supply to the brain is reduced despite sufficient blood flow. Drowning, choking, cardiac arrest, head injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning and general anesthesia problems can create conditions that lead to cerebral hypoxia.

Symptoms of this condition include inattentiveness, poor judgement, memory loss and loss of muscle coordination. Brain cells can begin to die within five minutes of loss of oxygen. When hypoxia is extended, it can cause coma, seizures and even brain death. When someone is brain dead, brain activity essentially ceases, though cardiovascular function is maintained. Life support is then required for respiration.

Treatment for cerebral hypoxia typically depends on the underlying cause of the condition, however, basic life-support systems must typically be utilized. Fluids and medications must sometimes be administered to support blood pressure and heart rates, and medications must be used to suppress seizures.

The recovery period depends on how long the brain was deprived of oxygen and how much damage occurred to the brain. The longer someone is unconscious, the less likely they are to recover. Recovery often includes neurological abnormalities like amnesia, personality regression, memory loss, hallucinations and muscle twitching.