Hypoxic injuries result when there is a substantial or complete lack of oxygen supplied to the brain, despite an adequate supply of blood flow. In severe cases of hypoxia, the person is often in comatose (in a state of unconsciousness) for periods ranging from hours to days, weeks, or months.
Following the emergence from coma, the person may remain confused and disoriented for a period of time, having no capacity to remember ongoing events. This may also last for hours, days, weeks or months.
In this state the person may be partially or fully awake, but can be confused, agitated and disoriented, absorbing little from the environment. The diminished oxygen supply to the brain may produce significant cognitive, physical and emotional impairments.
As a result, a hypoxic injury can have a profound impact, in terms of functional deficits, cost involved in treatment and the disruption it can have on people's lives and that of their families.
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