Cerebral hypoxia (patient information): Difference between revisions
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* Diseases that prevent movement ([[paralysis]]) of the breathing muscles, such as [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS) | * Diseases that prevent movement ([[paralysis]]) of the breathing muscles, such as [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS) | ||
* High altitudes | * High altitudes | ||
* Pressure on ( | * Pressure on (compression) the windpipe ([[trachea]]) | ||
* [[Strangulation]] | * [[Strangulation]] | ||
Revision as of 14:50, 30 January 2013
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Cerebral hypoxia |
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Cerebral hypoxia On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Cerebral hypoxia occurs when there is not enough oxygen getting to the brain. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function. Cerebral hypoxia refers to the outer part of the brain, an area called the cerebral hemisphere. However, the term is often used to refer to a lack of oxygen supply to the entire brain.
What are the symptoms of Cerebral hypoxia?
What causes Cerebral hypoxia?
In cerebral hypoxia, sometimes only the oxygen supply is interrupted. This can be caused by:
- Breathing in smoke (smoke inhalation), such as during a fire
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Choking
- Diseases that prevent movement (paralysis) of the breathing muscles, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- High altitudes
- Pressure on (compression) the windpipe (trachea)
- Strangulation
In other cases, both oxygen and nutrient supply are stopped, caused by:
- Cardiac arrest (when the heart stops pumping)
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Complications of general anesthesia
- Drowning
- Drug overdose
- Injuries to a newborn that occurred before, during, or soon after birth (cerebral palsy)
- Stroke
- Very low blood pressure
Brain cells are extremely sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Some brain cells start dying less than 5 minutes after their oxygen supply disappears. As a result, brain hypoxia can rapidly cause severe brain damage or death.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Cerebral hypoxia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition