Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention
Definition
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition in which the brain does not receive enough oxygen.
HIE can be fatal. Brain cells can begin dying within as little as five minutes without oxygen. The disease can also cause long-term damage, including
intellectual disability, seizures, and
cerebral palsy.
Causes
There are a variety of causes of HIE. Any injury and many health conditions can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain. Some common causes are:
Risk Factors
Any injury, complication, or condition that causes the brain to have a reduction in blood flow and oxygen is a risk factor for HIE.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
-
Mild case:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Poor judgment
- Poor coordination
- Intense emotions
- Extreme drowsiness
-
Severe oxygen deprivation:
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Blue-colored skin or lips
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosis
A physical exam will be done. Typically, the history is the most important factor in making the diagnosis.
Tests may include the following:
- Your bodily fluids may need to be tested. This can be done with blood tests.
- Images may need to be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
- Your heart and brain activity may be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition, as well as the severity of the damage to the brain. Treatment options include:
- Life-sustaining treatment—If brain function has stopped, but damage is not yet extensive, life-sustaining treatment is given.
- Mechanical ventilation
—This may be used if you are unable to breathe without assistance.
- Treatments for the circulatory system—Treatments are given to maintain heart function and control blood pressure.
-
Seizure control—Medicine and
general anesthesia
may be given to control seizures.
- Cooling—Hypoxic brain damage is often caused by heat. Cooling blankets or other means of cooling may be applied to reduce the body's temperature.
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatment
—This treatment is used in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Prevention
In most cases, HIE is sudden and cannot be prevented.
CPR
may be given to prevent significant or long-term brain damage after the oxygen supply has been reduced.
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Hemphill J, Smith W. Neurologic critical care, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and subarachnoid hemorrhage. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL, et al.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005: chap 269.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Neurographics website. Available at:
http://www.neurographics.org/2/1/1/4.shtml. Accessed February 19, 2013.
Itoo BA, Al-Hawsawi ZM, Khan AH. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Incidence and risk factors in North Western Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Medical Journal. 2003;24:147-153.
Last reviewed February 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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