Anoxia/Hypoxia
Reprinted from:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
What is Anoxia/Hypoxia?
Specifically, anoxia is a
condition in which there is an absence of oxygen supply
to an organ's tissues although there is adequate blood flow to the tissue.
Hypoxia is a condition in which there is a decrease of oxygen to the tissue in
spite of adequate blood flow to the tissue. Anoxia and hypoxia, however, are
often used interchangeably—without regard to their specific meanings—to
describe a condition that occurs in an organ when there is a diminished supply
of oxygen to the organ's tissues. Anoxia and hypoxia may be caused by a number
of events, such as heart attack, severe asthma, smoke or carbon monoxide
inhalation, high altitude exposure, strangulation, anesthetic accidents, or
poisoning. In severe cases of anoxia and hypoxia, from any cause, the patient
is often stuperous or comatose (in a state of
unconsciousness) for periods ranging from hours to days, weeks, or months.
Seizures, myoclonic jerks (muscle spasms or twitches), and neck stiffness may
occur.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment of anoxia and hypoxia consists of establishing an adequate airway
as soon as possible, using enough oxygen to saturate the blood, supporting the
cardiovascular system as needed, and preventing or treating pneumonia.
Respiratory assistance may be necessary.
What is the prognosis?
If the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular systems can be supported
properly, recovery may occur, but depends upon the severity of injury. As
recovery proceeds, a variety of psychological and neurological abnormalities
may appear, persist for a time, and may improve. Mental confusion, personality
regression, parietal lobe syndromes, amnesia, hallucinations, memory loss, and
persistent myoclonus may also occur.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts studies aimed at
understanding neurological conditions that can damage the brain such as anoxia
and hypoxia. The goals of these studies are to find ways to prevent and treat
these conditions.