The brain requires approximately 20% of the body’s oxygen intake to function properly. Hypoxia occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. The low levels of oxygen limits brain activity, interrupting neurotransmitters and electrochemical impulses. This can seriously affect the rest of the body. Brain cells can die within five minutes. If not handled appropriately and quickly, cerebral hypoxia can cause brain damage or death.

Many factors and events can deprive the brain of its needed supply of oxygen. Incidents such as drowning, carbon monoxide inhalation, and strangulation can cause hypoxic injury. However, medical negligence can also cause hypoxic brain injury.

Common medical malpractice events that can lead to hypoxic brain injury are:

• Medication errors that lead to respiratory depression or arrest;
• Intubation or ventilation errors;
• Complications involving general anesthesia
• Failure to diagnose and correct bronchospasm or laryngospasm;
• Undiagnosed hematoma obstructing the airway.

Babies can suffer hypoxic brain injury during the labor and delivery process, or immediately thereafter.

Medical errors that can result in hypoxic brain injury to a newborn include:

• Negligent fetal heart monitoring;
• Negligent delay in performing cesarean section;
• Negligent resuscitation of a depressed baby;
• Negligent monitoring of respiration after delivery.

Hypoxic brain injury cases are complicated and expensive. They require expert witnesses from several different disciplines.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury, contact our Houston brain injury attorneys. We bring over 50 years of collective experience. We specifically focus on medical malpractice and birth injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We help clients every step of the way.

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