Patient education: Caring for someone after a hypoxic brain injury (The Basics)

What is hypoxic brain injury? — 

This is damage that happens when the brain does not get enough oxygen. It can happen from a cardiac arrest or near-drowning. It is also sometimes called "anoxic brain injury."

Most people who survive a hypoxic brain injury will have at least some long-term problems. That's because when brain cells die, the damage is permanent. Similar to traumatic brain injury, this can affect people in different ways. Depending on a person's needs, different therapies and supports can help.

What problems can happen from a hypoxic brain injury? — 

It depends on how severe the brain injury was.

Examples of problems can include:

●Speech problems

●Weakness and movement problems

●Trouble walking

●Loss of sensation or feeling

●Vision problems

●Trouble eating or swallowing

●Problems thinking clearly or interacting with others

●Personality or behavior changes

●Problems with learning or memory

●Seizures

●Problems with bladder or bowel control

●Depression

The severity of these problems varies from person to person. Some people require only a small amount of support and can live independently. Others need a lot of help for everyday tasks.

How do I care for someone with a hypoxic brain injury? — 

The doctor will give the person a specific plan to help them recover. Go over this plan with the doctor so you know how much care the person will need.

The person might need:

●Rehabilitation ("rehab") care – The goal of rehab is to help the person regain some of the abilities they lost. Rehab might include:

•Physical therapy – This can help with movement, strength, and coordination. There are lots of different types of exercises and stretches.

•Occupational therapy – This can help the person learn new ways of doing everyday tasks.

•Speech therapy – This can help with eating, swallowing, and talking.

•Talking to a social worker – They can help set up help for when the person returns home.

Rehab might happen in the hospital, at a nursing facility, or at home. This depends on person's needs.

●Help from a psychologist or psychiatrist – This can help the person with their mood and behavior. It can also help them learn ways to cope with problems from their brain injury. Some people need treatment for depression.

●Help with everyday activities – This can include help with things like:

•Bathing, getting dressed, and getting around

•Cooking and cleaning

•Taking care of money or business affairs

•Getting to medical appointments

●Help with feeding – If the person cannot eat or swallow, they might need a feeding tube to give them nutrition.

●Changes in the home – These can make it simpler or safer for the person to move around or do normal activities. Examples include ramps for a wheelchair or railings to hold as they walk, use the bathroom, or sit down. It's also important to remove things that could cause a fall, like loose rugs or clutter.

●A caregiver to stay with the person – This is important for safety reasons if they need help to move about, or if they have had changes in their behavior, judgment, or memory.

What else should I know? — 

Being a caregiver can be hard, and it is also important to take care of yourself. Try to get help from others when possible so you can take breaks.

You can also talk to the doctor about respite care. This is a way to get help from professional caregivers so you can take time for yourself and do other things. Ask your doctor about whether there are support groups in your area.

When should I call the doctor? — 

The doctor will talk to you about what to expect when caring for the person. They will also tell you what problems you should watch for.

In general, you need to watch for any changes in the person's physical health, mental health, or behavior. Even small changes can be important, especially if they cannot fully communicate what they are feeling.

Call for advice right away if the person:

●Has any new symptoms

●Seems sick, even with a minor illness like a cold or stomach bug

●Has a change in any of their abilities

●Starts acting differently

●Has a seizure or passes out

More on this topic

Patient education: Hypoxic brain injury (The Basics)
Patient education: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (The Basics)
Patient education: Advance directives (The Basics)