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

Child Had Appendix Surgery. Heart Stopped When Given Anasthesia. In Coma. Unable To Move. Suggestions?

I have a friend who s 11 year old son went in for appendix surgery. His heart stopped when given anesthesia ...for 2 minutes. He went into a coma and has been in this state for 6 weeks. His eyes are open and look at people. He can t move. A CT scan said periventricular region small vessel ischemic changes. The doctor says he may never move again. Could you give me some perspective on the ischemic changes?
Tue, 26 Mar 2013
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.
Due to cardiac arrest, blood and oxygen supply will be stopped to the brain causing brain injury due to ischemic changes know as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
Depending on the duration and severity of the insult, the damage to the brain will occur and as the brain cells has know regenerative capacity, the damage is almost permanent.
The ischemic changes will lead to the the death of the neurons in that area
Due to plasticity of nervous tissue in children, we may expect a little bit improvement, but expecting dramatic improvement in the child condition is a dream at this point.
Physiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment to prevent the stiffness.
Feeding is an important issue and can be done with care to prevent aspiration by using nasogastric tube.
Frequent change of position to prevent the pressure sores is an important aspect.
Bowel and bladder care is also important.
But the exact treatment options, outcome, and the complications will be commented by the treating doctors as they will be having complete knowledge regarding the child.
Hope I have answered your query.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
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 Physiotherapy


Loading Online Doctors....
Child Had Appendix Surgery. Heart Stopped When Given Anasthesia. In Coma. Unable To Move. Suggestions?

Hi, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic. Due to cardiac arrest, blood and oxygen supply will be stopped to the brain causing brain injury due to ischemic changes know as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Depending on the duration and severity of the insult, the damage to the brain will occur and as the brain cells has know regenerative capacity, the damage is almost permanent. The ischemic changes will lead to the the death of the neurons in that area Due to plasticity of nervous tissue in children, we may expect a little bit improvement, but expecting dramatic improvement in the child condition is a dream at this point. Physiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment to prevent the stiffness. Feeding is an important issue and can be done with care to prevent aspiration by using nasogastric tube. Frequent change of position to prevent the pressure sores is an important aspect. Bowel and bladder care is also important. But the exact treatment options, outcome, and the complications will be commented by the treating doctors as they will be having complete knowledge regarding the child. Hope I have answered your query.