Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | May 5, 2025 | Personal Injury
Most people think about blunt trauma when they hear about someone suffering a brain injury. Blunt force trauma can result in brain injury, but it is not the only cause. A condition known as cerebral hypoxia can also occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen.
This life-threatening health condition can be caused in many ways, including stroke or electric shock from an industrial accident. A lack of oxygen to the brain can begin causing cell death in less than five minutes. Here’s what you need to know about this serious condition.
Understanding Cerebral Hypoxia
A brain without oxygen is a medical emergency. Cerebral hypoxia can cause permanent brain damage and can lead to death. If you can’t breathe or if an injury or illness prevents blood flow to the brain for too long, your nervous system can shut down.
Without the nervous system to send signals throughout the body, every system can suffer. Your lungs, muscles, and heart could stop working as a result.
There are two types of cerebral hypoxia, and both require immediate medical attention. Cerebral anoxia means the brain isn’t getting any oxygen at all. With cerebral hypoxia, the brain may be getting some oxygen, but not enough to meet all of the brain’s functional needs.
Symptoms of Cerebral Hypoxia
The symptoms of cerebral hypoxia vary depending on how long the brain has been deprived of oxygen. Early symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling euphoric
- Loss of muscle control
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Numbness or tingling in the body
- Drowsiness
- Lips, skin, or nails turning a bluish color
Brain damage from a lack of oxygen can happen quickly. Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is experiencing cerebral hypoxia for any reason.
Causes of Cerebral Hypoxia in Maryland
The most common cause of cerebral hypoxia among U.S. adults is cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest may be caused by several conditions, including injuries like those sustained in a car accident. Other causes in Maryland can include:
- Electrocution
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe blood loss
- Choking
- Smoke inhalation
- Spinal cord injury
Complications from surgery, including anesthesia errors, could also result in cerebral hypoxia.
How Long Does the Brain Survive Without Oxygen?
Brain damage from a lack of oxygen can happen very quickly. Some research suggests the brain can survive up to six minutes before damage occurs. People with cerebral hypoxia may be getting enough oxygen to retain brain function longer.
So, exactly how long can you survive without air? There are many factors to consider, such as whether you are suffering from total or partial lack of oxygen. In all cases, cerebral hypoxia is a medical emergency. Severe brain damage may be prevented with prompt medical intervention.
Treatments for Cerebral Hypoxia
The first treatment for a lack of oxygen to the brain is typically to restore a healthy flow of oxygen by using mechanical ventilation. Ventilation is a type of manual breathing treatment that keeps blood and oxygen circulating in the brain.
Repair to the injury that caused oxygen deprivation, if possible, is the next course of action. The longer the brain was without oxygen, the more serious the damage may be. Cerebral hypoxia may affect a person’s ability to walk, talk, or take care of themselves. Patients might require lifelong medical care.
What You Need to Know About Oxygen Deprivation and Brain Injuries
Your vital organs depend on the brain to make them function. When the brain is damaged, all the body’s systems can cease to work. This makes cerebral hypoxia a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical care.
Recovery may be possible, depending on the extent of brain damage. However, patients can be left with significant medical bills. If the brain damage happened due to an accident involving another person’s negligence, it may be wise to consult a brain injury attorney to find out whether you are entitled to seek compensation.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7