Anoxic Brain Injury Following Dental Anesthesia
When the brain is completely deprived of oxygen, brain injury can occur within minutes. Anoxic brain injury can transpire after approximately five minutes of oxygen deprivation. One of the preventable situations where anoxic brain injury can occur is after dental anesthesia. This can occur when it is not properly administered or the patient is not monitored for symptoms due to error or negligence by the dentist and team.
Heavy sedation during dental procedures is preferred by many, even when it is a routine tooth repair or other treatment that usually only requires local anesthesia. More invasive dental work like extractions and dental implants may also use general anesthesia due to the invasive nature. While anesthesia is used in dental offices, surgical centers and hospitals every day, it has risks. These risks can be mitigated by following the accepted guidelines. When the wrong dose is used or the patient is not given enough oxygen, it is possible to sustain an anoxic brain injury.
Symptoms of Anoxic Brain Injury
When the brain does not receive the oxygen it needs, the cells can be in danger of damage. An anoxic brain injury from improper administration of anesthesia can result in the following symptoms:
- Trouble forming words or speech impediment
- Short-term memory loss
- Cognitive issues processing visual stimuli
- Difficulty performing routine movements
- Lack of coordination or balance
- Headaches
- Weakness in arms or legs
If you have undergone a dental procedure where anesthesia was used and have any of these symptoms for a prolonged time after treatment, it is possible you sustained an anoxic brain injury. Treatment and recovery can be a lengthy process, including ongoing therapy to regain and relearn routine tasks.
Our team at Moriarty Injury Lawyer can help you discover if a dental malpractice lawsuit is an option to receive compensation for your anoxic brain injury caused by dental anesthesia. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.