Peripheral nerve injury of the upper extremity commonly occurs in patients who participate in recreational (e.g., sports) and occupational activities. Nerve injury should be considered when a patient experiences pain, weakness, or paresthesias in the absence of a known bone, soft tissue, or vascular injury.
Brain injury occurs when the tissues of the brain suffer an acute injury that results in temporary, chronic, or permanent damage and/or dysfunction. The brain is a very sensitive organ subject to injury from a variety of insults. Some of the major causes of brain injury include trauma, lack of oxygen (hypoxic/anoxic injury), lack of blood flow (ischemia), infection, and metabolic disorders.
There are four types of anoxia, but each can cause the same serious damage to the brain. 1  Anemic anoxia. This form of anoxia results from blood that cannot carry sufficient oxygen to the brain. 2  Toxic anoxia. This form of anoxia is caused by toxins in the system that prevent the bloodâs oxygen from being used efficiently. 3  Stagnant anoxia.