Smoke Inhalation Can Cause Permanent Brain Damage

Did you know that smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire related deaths in Texas? While some assume that burns caused by flames are the number one cause of fire fatalities, the truth is that smoke inhalation, which prevents the brain from receiving oxygen, is the often the more dire danger. At the same time, even those who survive fires may still suffer serious and permanent injuries related to smoke inhalation, such as brain damage.

Let’s get technical for a moment: smoke inhalation causes cerebral hypoxia, a dangerous medical condition in which not enough oxygen reaches the outer regions of your brain. Other leading causes of cerebral hypoxia include choking accidents, high altitudes, carbon monoxide poisoning, strangulations, and drownings. In all of these cases, the lungs are not able to access air and transport oxygen to the rest of the body.

If the brain does not get oxygen for an extended amount of time, the result of cerebral hypoxia is death. However, if oxygen doesn’t get to the brain for a shorter length of time victims can be revived and saved. While some smoke inhalation victims will make a full recovery, others can suffer from permanent brain damage and the wide array of disabilities and issues associated with brain damage.

The seriousness of brain damage related to smoke inhalation can vary widely, depending on the details of the accident, the health of the victim, and the amount of time that the brain was without oxygen. In the most dire cases, those who inhale smoke could become brain dead or permanently lose consciousness. In other cases, smoke inhalation brain injury victims could suffer vision issues, hearing issues, mobility problems, speech issues and even memory problems. Victims who suffer minor brain damage from smoke inhalation could notice issues like cognitive problems, short-term memory problems, headaches, and confusion.

If you or someone you love have suffered brain damage from smoke inhalation following a fire, speak with a Texas burn injury attorney today.