What are the Symptoms of a Lack of Oxygen to the Brain

What are the Symptoms of a Lack of Oxygen to the Brain

Known medically as cerebral hypoxia a lack of oxygen supply to the brain can jeopardize the health of this important organ, causing cell death and brain damage in the event that the brain is left for a long time without receiving enough oxygen. Detecting early symptoms is key so you can seek specialized medical care and guarantee the health of the organ, so at OneHowTo.com we explain what the symptoms of lack of oxygen to the brain.

Steps to follow:
1

The lack of oxygen to the brain may occur in various conditions, some are external and others are derivatives of certain health conditions. Among the external factors that can lead to cerebral hypoxia are:

  • Being at high altitude where oxygen is not enough.
  • Inhaling large amounts of smoke e.g. during a fire.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • A drug overdose.
  • Problems encountered after general anaesthesia.
2

Various health conditions can also lead to our brain stopping receiving oxygen properly, among them are:

  • Suffering from cardiac arrest.
  • Choking or suffocating.
  • Having a stroke.
  • Any condition that creates pressure in the trachea.
  • Having low blood pressure.
  • Suffering from a disease that causes paralysis of the muscles that control breathing, such as ALS.
3

The symptoms of lack of oxygen to the brain are:

  • Feeling distracted or confused.
  • Altered movement or coordination.
  • Having difficulty making decisions or explaining.
  • In more severe states the lack of oxygen to the brain can lead to loss of consciousness and the difficulty or absence of breathing.
4

It is very important to understand that if you suspect that someone is suffering from the symptoms of lack of oxygen to the brain, you immediately contact emergency services. The faster the oxygen to the brain is restored, the less the damage caused by this serious condition will be. The consequences of cerebral hypoxia can be as severe as going into a coma, cognitive changes, impairment in motor reflexes, increase of heart rate and even brain death.

This is the reason why only urgent specialized medical care may improve the prognosis of this condition and reduce its negative effects on the brain.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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