Brain injury in children

What is cerebral hypoxia?

Cerebral hypoxia is a condition that occurs when a child’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen to function properly. 

The most common reason for this is head trauma caused by a fall, assault or road traffic accident. It can also happen when oxygen is cut off through suffocation, choking or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Because the brain is so dependent on oxygen, when oxygen is reduced for a period brain cells will begin to die. In some cases, it can leave children in need of life support. If this happens to your child, our teams are here for you with both the urgent and long-term specialist help your child may need.

Causes of cerebral hypoxia in babies

Cerebral hypoxia in babies can be caused by complications during childbirth such as a pinched umbilical cord. Premature babies can be at risk of cerebral hypoxia because their lungs may not have had time to develop, meaning they can’t breathe on their own and so can’t get enough oxygen. 

What are the symptoms of brain injuries in children?

Your child’s symptoms will depend on their injury and its severity.

Some of the symptoms of brain injuries include:

• A change in eating or sleeping habits
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Unusual irritability
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Difficulty concentrating

Symptoms of cerebral hypoxia to watch out for include:

• Weakened limbs
• Seizures - uncontrollable jerky movements or sensations

In the most severe cases, cerebral hypoxia can cause a deep coma or even a permanent lack of consciousness that looks like sleep.

How are brain injuries diagnosed in children and babies?

Your consultant will recommend one or more of the following tests based on the severity of your child’s condition: 

• A CT scan: This takes detailed X-ray images so our consultants can examine the structure of your child’s brain.
• An MRI scan: This uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures that can reveal injuries a CT scan might not be able to detect.
• An EEG: Using sensors called electrodes, this records electrical brain activity and can detect trauma and changes in how your child’s brain is functioning.

Our consultants can also run more thorough tests, which include:

• SPECT tests: This is a form of CT scan that checks areas of the brain for blood flow and metabolism.
• Evoked potential tests: These are tests that evaluate your child’s visual, auditory and sensory pathways.

Treatment options at HCA Healthcare UK

Our focus is on giving your child the best chance of a healthy, happy and full life. For brain injuries that need managing on a long-term basis, our expert teams can come together to provide the integrated treatment and support that your child and your whole family will need.

Our rehabilitation programmes put your child and family at the very centre of our care, treatment and discharge planning. We’ll consider cultural and spiritual beliefs, as well as values and lifestyle to help create a plan that really works for you.

Your child’s rehabilitation programme will be led by an experienced key worker offering you one reassuring and informed single point of contact. That programme might include:

• Patient-led goal setting such as planning for discharge, ongoing support and education
• Regular discussions, called case conferences, between your child, family, consultant and key team members
• Ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists
• Highly specialised brain surgery, also known as neurosurgery