Anoxic Brian Injury - Now What?

Joshua Shirk | He's Fighting, We're Believing
2 Oct 202106:37
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script narrates the harrowing experience of a parent whose child suffers an anoxic brain injury. It emphasizes the importance of being the child's advocate, making informed decisions about medical procedures, and not succumbing to pressure. The script challenges the common misconception that recovery ends within six months to a year, highlighting that true recovery may take much longer. It introduces hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a critical intervention, featuring Dr. Paul Harch as a leading expert, and encourages viewers to seek this therapy as soon as possible after injury. The message is one of hope and the reminder that where there's life, there's always hope.

Takeaways
  • 🏥 Facing a child's anoxic brain injury is an emotionally and mentally challenging experience for parents.
  • 💡 It's crucial not to be rushed into making critical decisions about your child's medical care.
  • 🛌 Prioritize your child's stability before proceeding with any further medical examinations or treatments.
  • 🧠 An MRI might be suggested, but it should only be done when the child is stable enough to avoid additional risks.
  • 🚫 Be cautious of false hope or overly pessimistic predictions; focus on realistic care plans.
  • 🤔 The common belief that recovery typically ends within six months to a year is often misleading; recovery can be a long-term process.
  • 🌟 Remember, where there's life, there is hope; maintain a positive outlook for your child's recovery.
  • 🩺 Consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a potential treatment option; it can be beneficial even years after the injury.
  • 👨‍⚕️ Seek out experts like Dr. Paul Harch, who is a leading authority on hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
  • 🛠️ Be an advocate for your child and ensure their voice is heard in medical decisions.
Q & A

  • What is an anoxic brain injury?

    -An anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, which can result in damage to brain cells and potentially lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.

  • What are some of the medical interventions mentioned for a child with an anoxic brain injury?

    -The medical interventions mentioned include intubation, use of a cooling vest, an EEG to monitor brain activity, an arterial line inserted into the heart, and multiple IVs.

  • Why is it important for parents to be their child's advocate in such situations?

    -Parents being their child's advocate ensures that the child's best interests are considered and that medical decisions are made with the child's stability and long-term health in mind.

  • What was the dilemma faced regarding Joshua's first MRI?

    -The dilemma was whether to perform the MRI immediately as suggested by pediatric neurology or to wait until Joshua was more stable, as advised by the pediatric PICU team.

  • What did the parents decide regarding Joshua's MRI?

    -The parents decided to wait and advocated for Joshua to be moved to the MRI only when he was more stable, as they understood that the MRI would not change the initial care plan.

  • What is the role of acute care facility doctors in such cases?

    -The role of acute care facility doctors is to provide realistic assessments and treatments, erring on the side of caution and focusing on the worst-case scenario rather than offering false hope.

  • What is the common misconception about recovery from anoxic brain injury?

    -The common misconception is that recovery typically ends within six months to a year. However, recovery can take much longer, with some patients seeing improvements years later.

  • What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy and why is it recommended?

    -Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. It is recommended because it helps reduce inflammation and can be an effective treatment for brain injuries.

  • Who is Dr. Paul Harch and why is he mentioned in the script?

    -Dr. Paul Harch is a leading hyperbaric expert from Marrero, Louisiana, and is considered one of the best in the world. He is mentioned as someone to consult for hyperbaric oxygen therapy as soon as possible after a brain injury.

  • What is the message of hope conveyed in the script?

    -The message of hope is that where there is life, there is always hope for recovery. It encourages not to be limited by timelines and to explore all possible treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

  • What progress is observed in Joshua after the interventions?

    -Joshua shows improvement by stopping the locking of his left knee and being able to walk around, indicating positive response to the therapy and care provided.

Outlines
00:00
😢 Coping with a Child's Brain Injury

This paragraph discusses the overwhelming experience of a parent who learns their child has suffered an anoxic brain injury. The child is described as being in a critical condition with various medical devices supporting their life. The script emphasizes the emotional turmoil parents face when they are expected to make difficult decisions regarding their child's care. It encourages parents to remain hopeful and to prioritize their child's stability before any further procedures. The narrative includes a specific example of advocating for the child's best interest, such as deciding when to conduct an MRI, and stresses the importance of not being rushed into decisions that could endanger the child's life. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the role of the parent as the child's main advocate and voice.

05:01
🌟 Hope and Recovery Beyond Mainstream Medicine

The second paragraph shifts focus to the importance of holding onto hope in the face of a loved one's brain injury. It addresses the common misconception that recovery is limited to six months to a year, asserting that true recovery can span years. The paragraph introduces hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a critical treatment option, highlighting Dr. Paul Harch as a leading expert in this field. It suggests that seeking treatment with Dr. Harch as soon as possible after the injury is beneficial, though it also reassures that it's never too late for this therapy. The paragraph ends with a motivational note to persevere against the narrative that mainstream medicine may provide no further help, encouraging the pursuit of alternative treatments and maintaining hope for recovery.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Anoxic brain injury
An anoxic brain injury refers to damage to the brain that occurs due to a lack of oxygen. In the context of the video, this injury is the primary medical condition affecting the child, leading to a range of treatments and interventions. The script mentions the child being intubated and having various medical devices to support their health, highlighting the severity of the injury.
💡Intubation
Intubation is a medical procedure where a tube is inserted into the trachea to facilitate breathing, often used in critical care situations. In the video, the child has been intubated due to the severity of their brain injury, indicating a high level of medical care required to stabilize their condition.
💡EEG
EEG stands for Electroencephalogram, a test that measures and records electrical activity in the brain. The script mentions an EEG covering the child's head, which is used to monitor brain activity in the context of an anoxic brain injury, helping medical professionals assess the extent of the damage and track recovery progress.
💡Arterial line
An arterial line is a specialized intravenous line that is inserted directly into an artery, typically the radial or femoral artery, to monitor blood pressure continuously and draw blood samples. In the video, the presence of an arterial line in the child indicates that their condition is being closely monitored, as it is a critical tool for assessing the patient's hemodynamic stability.
💡Advocacy
Advocacy in the context of the video refers to the act of speaking up and defending the rights, needs, and best interests of the child. The parents are encouraged to be advocates for their child, ensuring they receive appropriate care and that decisions made are in the child's best interest, such as delaying the MRI to wait until the child is more stable.
💡Hope
Hope is a central theme in the video, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite a challenging situation. The script repeatedly stresses that 'where there's life, there is hope,' encouraging viewers to persist in seeking treatments and believe in the potential for recovery, even when faced with dire prognoses.
💡Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. The video highlights this therapy as a crucial intervention for patients with brain injuries, suggesting that it can help combat inflammation and promote healing. Dr. Paul Harch is mentioned as a leading expert in this field.
💡Recovery timeline
The recovery timeline refers to the period it takes for a patient to heal from an injury or illness. The script dispels the common misconception that recovery from an anoxic brain injury typically occurs within six months to a year, emphasizing that true recovery may take much longer and can continue for years.
💡Medical decision-making
Medical decision-making involves the process of choosing appropriate healthcare actions for a patient. In the video, the parents are faced with making difficult decisions regarding their child's care, such as when to proceed with an MRI. The narrative stresses the importance of not being rushed into decisions and ensuring that any action taken is in the best interest of the patient's health and stability.
💡Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. In the context of the video, inflammation is a critical factor in brain injury, and the script suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be an effective defense against it, aiding in the healing process.
💡Stability
Stability in a medical context refers to a patient's condition being controlled and not at risk of getting worse. The video emphasizes the importance of ensuring the child's stability before undergoing any procedures or treatments, such as the MRI, to prevent any additional risks or complications.
Highlights

The emotional turmoil of parents when told their child has an anoxic brain injury.

The medical situation of a child with an anoxic brain injury, including intubation and various medical equipment.

The importance of not being pressured into making decisions about your child's care.

The message of hope, emphasizing that where there is life, there is always hope.

The role of parents as their child's advocate and voice in medical decisions.

The dilemma faced in deciding when to take a child for an MRI, with differing advice from pediatric neurology and the PICU team.

The decision-making process regarding the MRI, questioning the necessity and potential risks.

The stance that acute care facility doctors will not deal in false hope, but rather err on the side of caution.

Dispelling the common misconception that recovery from brain injury typically ends within six months to a year.

The suggestion to explore hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment option.

The recommendation to seek Dr. Paul Harch, a leading hyperbaric expert in Louisiana.

The notion that it's never too late for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The challenge faced when mainstream medicine suggests there's nothing they can do to help.

The emphasis on hyperbaric oxygen therapy as the first line of defense against brain inflammation.

The promise of covering other therapies and treatments in subsequent videos.

The final message of hope and encouragement for the caregivers and their loved ones.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

How the VA in Lexington saved Freddie Maggard's life

Reaching Out: Child abuse, when and how to report.

Holidays, Life Changes and OCD Recovery Statistics

Understanding Trauma - Part 6 - Adaptations and Soul Murder

4 Types of OCD & How They Manifest

Fully recovered from ME/CFS: A Pole dancer's incredible recovery story

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Brain InjuryMedical AdvocacyParental SupportHope and HealingCritical DecisionsHyperbaric TherapyMedical CautionLong-Term RecoveryHealthcare SystemsEmotional Resilience