Hypoxic encephalopathy is characterized by a lack of oxygen in the brain. This condition is related to a number of physical disorders and environmental hazards, such as poor acclimatization and deep sea diving. Individuals suffering from hypoxic encepalopathy often experience decreases in memory and motor control, as well as increases in heart rate. As with other serious health conditions, the sooner the condition is treated, the better the prognosis. Failure to adequately treat hypoxic encephalopathy can result in severe impairment to language and vision.

While there are a number of causes of hypoxic encephalopathy, the most common include anemia, asthma, and accidental choking or drowning. Accidents that lead to shock or the crushing of the trachea can also be to blame. In addition, diving in very deep water, flying in aircraft that are not pressurized, and exercising at extreme altitudes without proper acclimatization can lead to the condition. Undergoing proper preparation for these activities, or avoiding them altogether, is important in the prevention of hypoxic encephalopathy.

When hypoxic encephalopathy occurs, the body's first response is to increase the flow of blood to the brain, providing it with more oxygen. If this form of self-correction is not successful, individuals will typically begin to experience a decrease in mental functioning, memory, and motor control. Other symptoms of hypoxic encephalopathy include a bluish tint to the skin, an increase in heart rate, fainting, and possible seizure. Individuals who experience these symptoms are typically encouraged to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

The treatment of hypoxic encephalopathy varies quite a bit from case to case. In mild forms of the condition, patients may experience improvements from measures as simple as breathing increased amounts of pure oxygen. More severe cases may require medication or even surgery. Surgery is not always a viable option for all patients, especially if they are very young or old or have been previously diagnosed with a weakened immune system. Patients who suffer from hypoxic encephalopathy are often encouraged to undergo physical or occupational therapy in order to improve both fine and gross motor skills.

Typically, the prognosis of this condition depends on how quickly symptoms are identified and treated. Those diagnosed with a mild version of encephalopathy can usually expect a relatively complete recovery. In contrast, serious cases of encephalopathy can result in a poorer patient prognosis. For example, patients who enter a coma due to this condition and stay in it for an extended period of time often experience the worst rates of recovery. Patients who experience left-sided encephalopathy typically have difficulty with language and speech, while those with right-sided damage may experience difficulty with visual interpretation or expressing emotions.