Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
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New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2681
732-235-CINJ (2465)
Pronounced: hye-POK-sik is-KEM-ik en-sef-a-lo-path-ee
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury. It happens when the brain does not get enough oxygen.
HIE can cause death. Brain cells start to die after 4 minutes without oxygen.
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Many health problems can a lack of oxygen to the brain. Some common causes are:
Any injury or health problem that causes the brain to have a drop in blood flow and oxygen is a risk factor for HIE.
You may have:
A physical exam will be done. A health history is the biggest factor in making the diagnosis.
Blood tests may be done.
Pictures may need to be taken of your body. This can be done with:
Your heart and brain may be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment depends on the cause of HIE. It also depends on how severe the damage is to the brain.
You may have:
HIE can’t be prevented.
Brain Injury Association of America
http://www.biausa.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
https://www.ninds.nih.gov
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Ontario Brain Injury Association
http://www.obia.on.ca
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Neurographics website. Available at: http://www.asnr.org/neurographics/2/1/1/4.shtml. Accessed June 22, 2018.
Itoo BA, Al-Hawsawi ZM, Khan AH. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Incidence and risk factors in North Western Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J. 2003;24(2):147-153.
MacDonald S. Brain injury secondary to carotid intervention. J Endovasc Ther. 2007;14(2):219-231.
Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 6/22/2018