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Cerebral hypoxia and brain injuries in North Carolina

On Behalf of | Feb 19, 2015 | Brain Injuries |

A brain requires the constant flow of oxygen in order to function at normal levels. Depriving oxygen to the brain can result in sustained injury as well as both short and long term impairments. In general, the longer the period of oxygen deprivation, the greater the trauma to the brain. Cerebral hypoxia is a lack of oxygen to the brain and, unfortunately, it is sometimes the result of medical error or malpractice.

Cerebral hypoxia is a medical term referring to insufficient oxygen being supplied to the brain. In general, the longer the period of oxygen deprivation, the more severe the extent of the brain injury and the greater the consequences. Cerebral yypoxia resulting from medical error can stem from complications during birth, improperly administered anesthesia, procedural errors during surgery, or the failure to diagnose and treat very low blood pressure which is also referred to as severe hypotension.

Brain injuries due to a lack of oxygen supply can result in the significant reduction of brain capacity and cognitive ability. The long term impairments caused by sustained cerebral hypoxia include memory loss, visual impairments, difficulties with speech, diminished motor skills, and, in some cases, cerebral palsy.

Brain injuries that occur as a result of medical malpractice can precipitate the need for a lifetime of constant care, as well as significantly diminished capacity for the victims. North Carolina victims and their families should consider the financial costs and long-term implications of brain injuries when seeking medical malpractice compensation. A successful lawsuit might allow victims and their families to recover damages and at least lessen the financial burden of a serious brain injury.

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “NINDS Cerebral Hypoxia Information Page”, Fe. 14, 2014