Actress Anne Heche has sadly died after being removed from life support, a week after she was involved in a serious car crash.
The decision to take Anne off life support came as she was officially declared brain dead, as a result of a severe brain injury - one which she wouldn't "be able to survive."
The former partner of Ellen Degeneres suffered an anoxic brain injury after she crashed her mini cooper into a residential Los Angeles home, causing a severe blaze. At the time of the accident, Heche was under the influence of drugs but not alcohol.
Investigators obtained a warrant to test the actress’ blood, and while no alcohol was detected, the test found traces of fentanyl and cocaine in her system.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive substance which is often used in pain management medication. As reported in the Mirror, a representative for the late mum-of-two said in a statement: “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition.”
Here is what you should know about anoxic brain injury, including the signs to look out for.
What is Anoxic Brain Injury?
Anoxic brain injury is a type of brain injury that isn't usually caused by a blow to the head. A person can suffer with the life-threatening condition when there is a complete lack of oxygen to the brain.
This results in the brain cells dying, which can occur in as little as four minutes after experiencing oxygen deprivation.
Oxygen deprivation to the brain is extremely fatal with brain damage occurring in as little as 30 seconds. At two minutes, brain damage becomes almost inevitable.
According to Spinalcord.com, factors increasing the risk of anoxic brain injury include:
- Oxygen deprivation at birth among babies; this is particularly common when a baby becomes trapped in the birth canal or the umbilical cord is wrapped around his or her neck.
- A traumatic attack or assault, such as being choked unconscious.
- A stroke, which can deprive the brain of oxygen and blood for several minutes.
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, which deprives the brain of oxygen for anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
- Choking.
- Anaphylactic shock due to allergic reactions.
- Swallowing your own vomit.
- Drug overdose.
- A sudden blow to the windpipe.
Signs of an anoxic brain injury
Tell-tale symptoms immediately after an anoxic brain injury include:
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Feeling woozy or dizzy
- Vomiting
- Changes in behaviour or sensation; your arms or legs may feel tingly or numb.
- Intense headache.
A statement from her agent said Heche will be remembered for her “courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light".
“Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit,” it read.
"More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love.”
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