Cerebral hypoxia occurs when oxygen supply to the brain is reduced, often as the result of decreased blood flow, but it is not completely eliminated. This differs from cerebral anoxia, which is a complete lack of oxygen supply to the brain.

Because the brain relies on oxygen, even just a minute of deprivation can cause lasting or permanent damage. Hypoxia of the brain, which can result in short-term and long-term brain damage, can be identified in four distinct categories that range in severity: diffuse cerebral hypoxia, focal cerebral ischemia, global cerebral ischemia, and cerebral infarction.

In some cases, the brain responds to the loss of oxygen by temporarily increasing blood flow in an attempt to provide more oxygen. Though this can save your life if your brain is deprived of oxygen, it can also cause cardiovascular episodes such as brain bleeding, strokes, and ruptured blood vessels in the brain, particularly if you have other cardiovascular problems.

Cerebral hypoxia can cause both immediate and long-term brain damage, and the course of recovery from a serious episode of cerebral hypoxia is unpredictable. Only a doctor can properly assess your condition, so if you suspect your brain has been deprived of oxygen, seek immediate medical care.