What Are The Chances Of Brain Damage Due To Lack Of Oxygen?
High chances of severe brain damage.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted the details. Based on the description, there are very high chances of significant brain damage due to lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and blood supply (ischemia) to brain. This condition is called as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Presence of seizures indicate that the brain damage is severe, and a survival with normal brain functions is unlikely.
The extent of brain damage can be further assessed with electroencephalogram (EEG) and evoked potential studies.
In the meanwhile, anti-epileptic drugs and other supportive treatment should be continued.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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EEG can help.
Detailed Answer:
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Stopping of seizures is a good sign.
Is he conscious or in coma?
Oxygen support can only be turned off if he is "brain dead". This information can come from EEG. I think EEG should be done as early as possible to know the status of brain.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Clinical picture and EEG would help.
Detailed Answer:
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They would stop all sedating drugs and look for brain functions. This would include any response to painful stimulus and verbal calls. Also, pupil size and reaction, eye movements, cough reflex, blood pressure and any spontaneous breathing, will all help. If there is any positive response in the above clinical findings, the oxygen support would be continued.
If there is no response in the above tests, then, EEG and other tests (apnea test, cold caloric test) would be done to assess for brain death. If the tests confirm brain death, only then oxygen supports would be withdrawn.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Received and replied.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
I received the last question 14 hours back and have already replied to that, as can be seen above.
If you have any more query, I would be pleased to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Myoclonus does not mean brain death.
Detailed Answer:
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Myoclonus does not mean brain death, however, it indicates severe brain damage.
Decision to withdraw life supports would depend on other reports such as EEG, evoked potential studies and patient's likelihood of improvement in future.
This can be discussed with the treating neurologist.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Need some more information.
Detailed Answer:
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I need some more information to predict the chances of recovery. These are:
1. Neurological examination findings, especially Doll's eye movements, motor response.
2. EEG report.
3. CT/MRI scan of brain if available.Can you upload the reports? so I can help you better.
Please get back.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)