What medical test you have to do to know if your brain is receiving an adequate blood or oxygen?


Pulse oximetry? Monitored by a little device that is clamped on the tip of your finger.

Arterial gas count? A VERY painful blood draw from an artery instead of a vein.

3 Responses to “What medical test you have to do to know if your brain is receiving an adequate blood or oxygen?”

  1. Chick-A- Deedle on June 8th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    Pulse oximetry? Monitored by a little device that is clamped on the tip of your finger.

    Arterial gas count? A VERY painful blood draw from an artery instead of a vein.
    References :

  2. Basic orientation questions in the absence of trauma or medications would give you enough information. Not enough oxygen/blood to the brain = unconsciousness.
    References :

  3. aneurodoc125 on June 8th, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Are you conscious? That is the best test. A little drop in the pO2 causes confusion, agitation. A bigger drop , loss of consciousness. Altitude chamber rides demonstrate this with a "time of useful consciousness" drill. It gives Flight Crew an idea of the time they have to get on Oxygen when they lose pressurization. I have been through many rides. The most common exercise is "Write your Name and Address three times" Never saw anyone write all 3.
    References :
    Former Flight Surgeon

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