"Although only two percent of our body weight, the brain consumes 20% of the body's oxygen supply" (synapse.org.au)
That alone tells us that even a brief period of oxygen deprivation puts most people at risk for brain damage or brain trauma. There are two terms that are used to describe oxygen deprivation and its impact on the brain - anoxia and hypoxia.
- Anoxia is the worst and is a complete lack of oxygen to the brain.
- Hypoxia is a reduced supply of oxygen making its way into the brain.
The Causes Behind Anoxia and Hypoxia Symptoms
Drowning or near drowning, heart attack, stroke, overdose, asthma attacks, strangulation, poisoning, errors in anesthesia administration, and inhalation of smoke or carbon monoxide are some of the most common causes for anoxia and hypoxia symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries may also lead to swelling that creates the symptoms too. There are formal types of both conditions.- Anemic anoxia - This occurs when total hemoglobin levels provide an inadequate amount of oxygen to the brain.
- Anoxic anoxia - This can occur with altitude sickness, suffocation, or attempting to breathe in non-ventilated areas.
- Toxic anoxia - Additionally described as hostotoxic anoxia, it is when toxic substances are inhaled and interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen (it can be caused by drug overdose, excessive alcohol consumption, inhalation of anesthesia, formaldehyde, acetone or other compounds).
- Ischemic Hypoxia - When cerebral blood flow is reduced or blood pressure decreases too much, the brain is unable to receive adequate oxygen.