HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Asthmatic, Suffered Cardiac Arrest, On Ventilator, Suspicion Of Brain Damage. What Extent Of Damages Can Be Expected?

My sister (21) just suffered from cardiac arrest about 3 hours ago; she is an asthmatic and was experiencing difficulties breathing . She was taken to the ER and that is when her heart stopped. The doctors said they performed CPR for about 5-10 mins before the heart began beating again. She is now in ICU on a ventilator and being sedated. The doctor stated that there is a possibility of brain damage and I m scared. What extent of damages should be expected? Was 5-10 mins too long of a time period?
Wed, 7 Nov 2012
Report Abuse
Pediatrician, Critical Care ,  's  Response
Thanks for coming to Healthcare magic for your query.

When there is cardiac arrest, there is cessation of blood supply to different organs in the body including brain. If the duration of cardiac arrest is sufficiently prolonged (>20 mins)- there is very high chance of brain injury.

For shorter duration of cardiac arrest, outcome is difficult to predict. From the description given, she had cardiac arrest in ER (and thankfully not on the way to hospital). In-hospital cardiac arrest has better outcome than out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, as prompt treatment was given.

In your sister's case - the next step over next 48-72 hours will be try and get her off the ventilator and sedation and assess her brain function. Your doctor may ask for a MRI Brain/EEG to get some idea about any neurological damage.

I hope I've able to answer most of your queries. Wish your sister good luck for complete recovery.

Regards
Dr Tejas Shah
Critical Care Specialist/Pediatric Intensivist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on MRI


Loading Online Doctors....
Asthmatic, Suffered Cardiac Arrest, On Ventilator, Suspicion Of Brain Damage. What Extent Of Damages Can Be Expected?

Thanks for coming to Healthcare magic for your query. When there is cardiac arrest, there is cessation of blood supply to different organs in the body including brain. If the duration of cardiac arrest is sufficiently prolonged ( 20 mins)- there is very high chance of brain injury. For shorter duration of cardiac arrest, outcome is difficult to predict. From the description given, she had cardiac arrest in ER (and thankfully not on the way to hospital). In-hospital cardiac arrest has better outcome than out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, as prompt treatment was given. In your sister s case - the next step over next 48-72 hours will be try and get her off the ventilator and sedation and assess her brain function. Your doctor may ask for a MRI Brain/EEG to get some idea about any neurological damage. I hope I ve able to answer most of your queries. Wish your sister good luck for complete recovery. Regards Dr Tejas Shah Critical Care Specialist/Pediatric Intensivist