Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cerebral hypoxia risk factors
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The risk factors for cerebral hypoxia are vast. All these risk factors lead to interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- Anoxic and hypoxic brain injury can occur whenever oxygen delivery to the brain is compromised.
- Oxygen delivery is a function of the blood flow to the brain and the oxygen content of the blood.[1]
- Consequently, hypoxic brain injury can result from interruption of blood flow to the brain, such as cardiac arrest or strangulation, or from systemic derangements that affect the oxygen content of the blood.
- Severe anemia, systemic hypotension, and systemic hypoxia can result in hypoxic brain injury if left untreated.
- In the United States, cardiac arrest is the most common cause of hypoxic brain injury.
Other Causes:
- Traumatic vascular injuries
- Drowning
- Smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning
- Shock, including hemorrhagic and septic shock
- Drug overdoses
- Acute lung injury