How Oxygen Deprivation May Cause a Traumatic Brain Injury

Contrary to popular belief, blunt force trauma is not the only cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

While the force exerted on the head and brain is a major cause of TBIs, there are several other ways in which the brain can undergo harm.

Below, our Mississippi personal injury attorneys discuss how oxygen deprivation can lead to TBIs.

Hypoxia and Anoxia

The brain is the most complex system in the human body and, as such, requires a great deal of energy, blood, and oxygen to operate correctly. When this vital oxygen supply is decreased or shut down, the brain may suffer a severe injury.

There are two main types of oxygen deprivation to the brain: hypoxia and anoxia.

Hypoxia is a reduction in oxygen flow to the brain and anoxia is a complete lack of oxygen flow to the brain.

When the brain experiences hypoxia or anoxia for a few minutes, brain cells begin to die and the following may occur:

• Widespread, permanent injury to the brain

• Coma

• Death

The common causes of hypoxia and anoxia may include:

• Near drowning

• Anesthesia errors

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Stroke or heart attack

Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury? We’re Here to Help

If you or someone you love has suffered oxygen deprivation and a subsequent brain injury caused by negligence, our team is here to help.

At Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., we’re passionate about helping brain injury victims recover the compensation they need and deserve for unexpected medical bills and lost wages. We’re ready to go to work for you, too.