What Is an Anoxic Brain Injury?

By Rocky McElhaney | June 11, 2025

What Is an Anoxic Brain Injury?The body is a complex machine, and perhaps no part of the body is more complex than the central nervous system – specifically the brain. The brain controls every aspect of our body and consists of various tissues, including neurons, glial cells, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It is critical that this complex organ is well taken care of, and that it receives all the nutrients and components that it needs to function correctly.

Some injuries or medical conditions can hamper the function of the brain, especially when oxygen is restricted or cut off completely from getting to it. Hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries occur when the brain does not get enough oxygen, and this can lead to severe complications and even death. Let us discuss exactly how someone can sustain an anoxic brain injury, and ways to try to avoid this dangerous condition.

But first, a quick lesson in the brain.

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How does the brain work?

Composed of several lobes that house different parts of the brain, the brain is not only responsible for all your thoughts and feelings, but also for controlling things such as your breathing, heart rate, body temperature, sight, and so on. Every time you take a step, it starts in the brain (the cerebellum to be specific), sending messages to the body to move individual muscles. This organ is extremely important and very complex.

For the brain to function properly, it needs a constant supply of oxygenated blood. There are two main sets of blood vessels that supply the brain with blood and oxygen: the vertebral arteries and the carotid arteries. These arteries and veins supply the entire brain with the blood and oxygen it needs to function appropriately, an intricate system that runs throughout the entire brain.

If one of these arteries or vessels is blocked or hampered in some manner, it can prove to be extremely dangerous and injurious to you, affecting not only your brain but your entire body. If the brain goes too long without oxygen (delivered by the blood in the arteries), your body will begin to shut down.

When the brain receives some but not enough oxygen, this is known as a hypoxic brain injury. When the brain receives no oxygen, this is called an anoxic brain injury.

Causes of anoxic brain injuries

There are many ways that the brain can be deprived of oxygen. Some of these conditions and situations include:

  • Head injury. Head injuries can happen during car accidents, slip and fall accidents, work accidents, sports injuries, and so forth. These injuries are often known as traumatic brain injuries, and not only can they cause other sorts of injuries in the brain such as swelling and bruising, another consequence of a head injury is a brain bleed (or Intracranial Hemorrhage). During a brain bleed, the disruption of blood flow can deprive brain tissue of oxygen, leading to cell damage or death.
  • Asphyxia. If you can no longer breathe, whether your trachea (the tube that conveys oxygen to your lungs) is being constricted or cut off (or there simply is not enough air for you to breathe), your body can no longer receive the oxygen it needs in order keep your brain and many other organs functioning. Children are particularly at risk of this condition, as small toys, pools, and even mistakes made during laborcan also cause oxygen deprivation. Instances where this might happen include:
    • choking
    • suffocating
    • strangulation
    • near drowning
    • inhaling fumes such as smoke and carbon monoxide
    • severe asthma attacks
  • Drug overdose. According to the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA), “overdose is [an] injury to the body (poisoning) that happens when a drug is taken in excessive amounts and can be fatal. Opioid overdose induces respiratory depression that can lead to anoxic or hypoxic brain injury.”
  • Cardiac arrest. When your heart suddenly stops pumping blood, this is known as a cardiac arrest. When the heart stops beating and pumping blood this means that the rest of your body is no longer receiving oxygenated blood; therefore, your brain is not either. If your brain stops functioning, your body will begin to fail including all your necessary organs that also require oxygenated blood.
  • Stroke. When blood supply to the brain is interrupted or stopped completely, it causes a stroke. The brain cannot receive the blood supply it needs to continue functioning, and a victim can die within moments if not treated immediately.

There are an almost limitless number of ways in which the blood supply (and therefore oxygen supply) to your brain can be interrupted. Anoxic brain injuries are serious injuries and should be seen to by a medical professional as quickly as possible. These injuries can be fatal and need to be taken seriously, no matter how severe you think the injury you sustained is.

What are the symptoms of an anoxic brain injury?

According to the Shepherd Center, the symptoms of an anoxic brain injury include an initial loss of consciousness, which depending on how long this unconsciousness lasts, can leave the person possibly in a vegetative state or even a coma. Other effects or symptoms of an anoxic brain injury include:

  • Headache
  • Difficulty coordinating balance
  • Vision problems
  • Seizures
  • Changes in sensory perception
  • Trouble speaking and swallowing
  • Changes in sleep pattern
  • Lack of bowel and bladder control
  • Changes in sexual function
  • Motor impairment
  • Personality changes
  • Difficulty forming sentences
  • Confusion
  • Trouble communicating
  • Difficulty with reason, focus and logic
  • Memory impairments
  • Depression
  • Poor concentration
  • Mood swings
  • Limited attention span
  • Disorientation
  • Forgetfulness
  • Acting inappropriately

While all anoxic brain injuries may not result in a vegetative state, the long-lasting effects of the injury can interfere with your day-to-day activities and may require further medical and ongoing treatment.

Can you recover from an anoxic brain injury?

Yes. It is possible to recover from an anoxic brain injury, but it really depends on how long the brain went without oxygen and how severe the damage is. Some people may recover fully or partially with the help of doctors, therapists, and lots of rehabilitation, like physical therapy or speech therapy. Others may have long-term effects, like memory problems or trouble with movement, but with the right care and support, many people can still live meaningful lives.

What are the treatments for anoxic brain injury?

Treatments for an anoxic brain injury focus on helping the brain heal and improving the person’s ability to function day-to-day. Right after the injury, doctors will try to restore oxygen to the brain as quickly as possible to limit the damage. After that, treatment often includes:

  • Medication to reduce brain swelling, prevent seizures, and manage symptoms like anxiety or depression.
  • Physical therapy to help regain strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Occupational therapy to relearn everyday tasks like getting dressed, cooking, or writing.
  • Speech therapy if the injury affects speech or the ability to swallow.
  • Cognitive therapy to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
  • Counseling or support groups to help with emotional recovery and coping with life changes.

Recovery can take time, and every person’s progress is different. A strong support system and regular therapy can make a big difference.

What are my legal options after an anoxic brain injury?

If you or a loved one suffered an anoxic brain injury because of someone else’s actions, or failure to act, you may have legal options to recover compensation. Here are a few common legal paths you can take.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, like a car accident, medical mistake, or unsafe premises, you can file a personal injury claim. This can help you recover money for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care

If a doctor, nurse, or hospital made a mistake, like failing to monitor oxygen levels during surgery or giving the wrong medication, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. These cases can be complex and usually require expert medical testimony.

If your injury happened on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These usually cover:

  • Medical care
  • A portion of your lost wages
  • Disability benefits if you cannot return to work

If a defective product—like a faulty oxygen machine or medical device—caused your injury, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or seller. This is known as a product liability claim.

If a loved one passed away from an anoxic brain injury caused by negligence, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional losses.

How can a Nashville brain injury lawyer help me?

Suppose you suffered a head injury in a car accident, from a fall on unsafe property, in an act of violence against you, or in any way as a result of someone else’s negligence. In that case, you can and should consider a personal injury lawsuit. Any situation where someone caused your injury means that they should be liable to compensate you for not only the pain and suffering you must endure, but also for any income loss and financial loss due to hospital treatments or work lost.

Breaking your arm or tearing a ligament can be painful and may take a while to heal, but these injuries are not often life-threatening. Sustaining an anoxic brain injury is always a serious condition that should be seen to by a medical professional immediately. Your brain must receive a constant supply of oxygenated blood so that the rest of your body and organs can continue to function properly.

If you or a loved one suffered an anoxic brain injury caused by someone’s negligence, then it is time for you to schedule a consultation with Rocky McElhaney Law Firm by calling our offices or filling out our contact form. We are dedicated to ensuring that you are compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as any lost income that you may experience from being too injured to continue working. We do not want you to suffer more than you already must. We proudly serve our community through our Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, or Murfreesboro offices.

Posted in Brain Injury