Hypoxic Brain Injury

Overview

Hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of adequate oxygen supply, leading to damage in areas responsible for movement, memory, and thinking. It is a serious condition that may develop as a result of cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or complications during surgery.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide expert inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults recovering from hypoxic brain injury. Our consultant-led team supports each patient through physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery.

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What Causes Hypoxic Brain Injury?

Hypoxic injury happens when there is insufficient oxygen delivered to the brain, even if blood flow continues. Common causes include:

• Cardiac arrest
• Respiratory arrest or severe asthma
• Near-drowning
• Suffocation or choking
• Complications during general anaesthesia
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Drug overdose

Even brief periods of oxygen deprivation can result in long-term brain damage.

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Symptoms of Hypoxic Brain Injury

The symptoms of hypoxic injury depend on the severity and the areas of the brain affected. They may include:

Cognitive and Psychological Effects

• Short-term memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed thinking
• Poor problem-solving or decision-making
• Confusion or disorientation
• Emotional changes (e.g. irritability, low mood, anxiety)

Physical Effects

• Muscle weakness or stiffness
• Impaired coordination or balance
• Reduced mobility
• Fatigue and low stamina
• Seizures (in some cases)

Speech and Communication Difficulties

• Slurred or slowed speech
• Word-finding problems
• Difficulty understanding conversations
• Reduced confidence in social settings

In more severe cases, individuals may experience reduced awareness, coma, or develop a minimally conscious state.

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How Is Hypoxic Brain Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Brain imaging (MRI or CT)
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Neurological examination
• Clinical review of the initial injury and medical history

Once medically stable, patients benefit from a structured rehabilitation programme to regain function and adapt to any long-term changes.

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Inpatient Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our team offers personalised neurorehabilitation for adults with hypoxic brain injury. We focus on helping individuals recover function and build independence in a safe, supportive environment.

Our rehabilitation approach includes:

Physiotherapy

• Strengthening and mobility training
• Postural and balance re-education
• Gait retraining
• Fatigue and endurance management

Occupational Therapy

• Daily living skills (washing, dressing, cooking)
• Cognitive rehabilitation (attention, memory, executive function)
• Energy conservation strategies
• Return-to-work planning (where appropriate)

Neuropsychology

• Emotional support and adjustment therapy
• Coping strategies for cognitive changes
• Family education and goal setting
• Psychological support for low mood or anxiety

Speech and Language Therapy

• Communication rehabilitation
• Support with cognitive-communication challenges
• Swallowing assessment (if needed)

Specialist Nursing Care

• Neurological and medical management
• Support with continence, medication and nutrition
• 24-hour nursing supervision

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Who We Support

We support adults (18+) who:

• Are recovering from moderate to severe hypoxic injury
• Have ongoing impairments affecting thinking, movement or communication
• Require multidisciplinary rehabilitation to regain independence
• May be transitioning from ICU or early acute care

To learn more, call 01296 678800 or enquire online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Specialist centre for complex neurological rehabilitation
• Consultant-led inpatient care
• Therapy delivered up to 7 days a week
• Calm, private environment ideal for recovery
• Family involvement and comprehensive discharge planning