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What is Anoxia / Hypoxia?
Specifically, anoxia is a condition in which there is an absence of oxygen supply to an
organ's tissues although there is adequate blood flow to the tissue. Hypoxia is a
condition in which there is a decrease of oxygen to the tissue in spite of adequate blood
flow to the tissue. Anoxia and hypoxia, however, are often used interchangeably--without
regard to their specific meanings--to describe a condition that occurs in an organ when
there is a diminished supply of oxygen to the organ's tissues. Anoxia and hypoxia may
be caused by a number of events, such as heart attack, severe asthma, smoke or
carbon monoxide inhalation, high altitude exposure, strangulation, anesthetic accidents,
or poisoning. In severe cases of anoxia and hypoxia, from any cause, the patient is often
stuperous or comatose (in a state of unconsciousness) for periods ranging from hours to
days, weeks, or months. Seizures, myoclonic jerks (muscle spasms or twitches), and
neck stiffness may occur.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment of anoxia and hypoxia consists of establishing an adequate airway as soon as
possible, using enough oxygen to saturate the blood, supporting the cardiovascular
system as needed, and preventing or treating pneumonia. Respiratory assistance may
be necessary.
What is the prognosis?
If the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular systems can be supported properly,
recovery may occur, but depends upon the severity of injury. As recovery proceeds, a
variety of psychological and neurological abnormalities may appear, persist for a time,
and may improve. Mental confusion, personality regression, parietal lobe syndromes, amnesia, hallucinations, memory loss, and persistent myoclonus may also occur.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts studies aimed at understanding neurological
conditions that can damage the brain such as anoxia and hypoxia. The goals of these
studies are to find ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
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