Anesthesia is an essential part of any surgery. There are risks and patients can be left with permanent brain damage if they make an error.
Anesthesia can cause brain damage
The majority of risks associated with anesthesia are minor and short-term. However, in rare instances, anesthesia mistakes can be catastrophic. This is because medical professionals fail to closely monitor patients. For oxygen to reach cells, the brain requires constant blood flow. Anesthesiologists are responsible for monitoring the brain of patients and making sure it gets enough oxygen during surgery. The cells can become starved of oxygen if blood flow is disrupted. This can lead to strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or even death.
Common Anesthesiologist Medical Mistakes
Brain damage can happen when:
Oxygen Levels To Get Too Low
Anesthesia can cause blood flow to slow down, leaving the brain with insufficient oxygen. Even seconds without oxygen can cause irreparable brain damage and loss.
The Wrong Type Of Anesthesia Drug
If the wrong type or dosage of anesthesia is used, complications such as allergic reactions and dangerous drug interactions can occur. If a patient’s files are not reviewed for any drug allergies or current medications, this can lead to complications.
A Patient Vomits During Surgery
The contents of a patient’s lungs can be inhaled (or aspirated) during surgery. Low oxygen levels can lead to brain damage if the anesthesiologist doesn’t properly monitor the situation.
Improper Intubation
Intubation (or a breathing tube) is required for certain surgeries. This is because the anesthesia drug that they require paralyzes their muscles. The brain may be without oxygen if the breathing tube is not placed properly.
Failure to monitor a patient after surgery
Too much anesthesia can cause patients to stop breathing for hours. It is important to monitor closely.
Compensation for brain damage caused by anesthesia
You have the right to sue an anesthesiologist if you or someone you love has suffered brain damage. A Las Vegas brain injury lawyer can help victims to recover compensation for the following:
Medical bills & Expenses
Future and current bills for all medical care required after the incident, including hospitalizations, surgery, physical and occupational therapy and medical equipment.
Lost Income
You may need to change your work place or be unable to work again after a severe brain injury. Compensation can be obtained for lost income and diminished earning ability, both past and future. This compensation is for the difference between income before and after brain damage.
Both pain and suffering
You will be compensated for the emotional distress and physical pain that the anesthesiologist caused. Emotional distress may refer to emotional anguish, depression and anxiety.
Loss of quality of life
Brain damage can cause permanent disability and may result in you not being able to live the same life that you had before the injury.
Punitive damages may be awarded by the court if the behavior of anesthesiologists was extremely reckless or egregious.
The post Brain Injury from Anesthesia was first published on Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers.