What is an anoxic brain injury as Anne Heche taken off life support after crash
Anne Heche has been officially declared brain dead after a horrific car accident occurring in LA. The starlet suffered an anoxic brain injury from the incident. What is it and what are the symptoms?
Anne Heche has officially been declared brain dead after her anoxic brain injury caused by a fatal car accident
Anne Heche, actress and ex of Ellen DeGeneres, is being taken off life support following a car crash brain injury she “won’t be able to survive”.
Anne was involved in the serious car accident while under the influence of cocaine but no alcohol.
She suffered an anoxic brain injury after crashing her Mini Cooper into a residential home, causing a fiery blaze.
Investigators obtained a warrant to test the actress’ blood and found no alcohol in her system.
The blood test did however reveal traces of fentanyl alongside cocaine.
Fentanyl is sometimes used in pain management medication.
A representative for Anne said in a statement: “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition.”
What is an anoxic brain injury?
Actress Anne Heche is being taken off life support after an anoxic brain injury left her brain dead
Image:
( AFP via Getty Images)
Anoxic brain injury is a type of brain injury that isn’t usually caused by a blow to the head.
A person can suffer with the life-threatening condition when there is a complete lack of oxygen to the brain.
This results in the brain cells dying, which can occur in as little as four minutes after experiencing oxygen deprivation.
Oxygen deprivation to the brain is extremely fatal with brain damage occurring in as little as 30 seconds. At two minutes, brain damage becomes almost inevitable.
What happens in anoxic brain injury?
Anne tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl in her blood after her car crashed into a home
Image:
( GoFundMe)
According to Spinalcord.com, factors increasing the risk of anoxic brain injury include:
Oxygen deprivation at birth among babies; this is particularly common when a baby becomes trapped in the birth canal or the umbilical cord is wrapped around his or her neck. A traumatic attack or assault, such as being choked unconscious. A stroke, which can deprive the brain of oxygen and blood for several minutes. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, which deprives the brain of oxygen for anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Choking. Anaphylactic shock due to allergic reactions. Swallowing your own vomit. Drug overdose. A sudden blow to the windpipe.
Signs of an anoxic brain injury
Anne, who is Ellen DeGeneres’ ex, was confirmed to be brain dead
Image:
( Getty Images)
Tell-tale symptoms immediately after an anoxic brain injury include:
Confusion Loss of consciousness Feeling woozy or dizzy Vomiting Changes in behaviour or sensation; your arms or legs may feel tingly or numb. Intense headache.
A statement from her agent said Heche will be remembered for her “courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light”.
“Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit,” it read.
“More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love.”
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