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.
Related Stories:
- How Can a Baby’s Brain Be Injured During Birth?
- How to Differentiate Between Adverse Events and Malpractice
- Brain Injury Compensation Can Help Heal the Whole Family