Anoxia And Hypoxia: Everything You Need To Know
The brain is one of the most vital organs because it is responsible for things like emotion, sensation, intelligence, movement and consciousness. It is because of these things that make brain injuries so traumatic and life changing. Anoxia and hypoxia are two brain injuries that can occur at the time of birth due to oxygen deprivation. If your child was born with anoxia and hypoxia, it is normal for you to want to learn more about them before reaching out to a lawyer for help.
What Are Anoxia and Hypoxia?
Anoxia is a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain whereas hypoxia is a brain injury caused by low oxygen levels in the brain.
Anoxia: If the human brain does not receive any oxygen within a short amount of time the brain cells will die and permanent brain damage can occur. In some cases, death is even possible.
Hypoxia: With hypoxia, the human brain is getting some oxygen, but not enough to keep all of the brain cells alive.
What Are the Causes of Anoxia and Hypoxia?
Anoxia and hypoxia can be caused by several factors during the delivery process. One of the causes may be from the umbilical cord being pinched, resulting in the baby not being able to breathe. Also, the baby may get stuck in the birth canal during a difficult labor, resulting in the baby losing oxygen quickly. Another cause of anoxia and hypoxia is the baby's airway may become blocked if their lungs get clogged with mucous.
What Are the Treatments for Anoxia and Hypoxia?
When a baby is born suffering from either anoxia or hypoxia, the immediate goal is to get normal oxygen flow to the baby. Many times this is accomplished through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The baby is put into a chamber contains pure oxygen, replenishing the lack of oxygen from the birthing process.
Another treatment option is Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia, which is designed to reduce the risk and severity of severe brain damage. This works by placing the baby under lowered temperatures for a period of three days. After that, the child may need some type of rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
If your baby was born with anoxia and hypoxia and managed to survive, providing him/her with the care and therapy he/she needs will be expensive. Talk to a lawyer about whether or not the medical staff at the hospital you gave birth to your child has any liability or financial responsibility to help you pay for these expenses. If your baby did not survive this birth injury, you should still talk to a lawyer about whether or not the hospital is liable or has a financial obligation to pay you for the emotional damages of this trauma. To learn more, contact a law firm like Speers Reuland & Cibulskis, P.C.