In some areas where traditional coal stoves are used for heating and in industries such as steel and cement production where carbon monoxide (CO) is emitted in waste gases, some people may suffer from CO poisoning. CO is highly toxic to the human nervous system and can induce delayed encephalopathy. The development of delayed encephalopathy begins with CO entering the body and causing hypoxia in the blood, leading to brain hypoxia. Brain hypoxia damages nerve cells and can cause cerebral hemorrhage, thrombosis, and other symptoms, subsequently inducing coma, weakness in the limbs, incontinence, and other symptoms. Given the significant harm of delayed encephalopathy, how should we treat it? Here are some suggestions:
1. In the early stages of delayed encephalopathy, when the condition is very urgent, patients should be promptly sent to the hospital. The treatment typically involves administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy until the patient regains consciousness, followed by the use of hormones and drugs that can restore brain cell function. For severely ill patients who have been bedridden for a long time, attention should be paid to their feeding, nutritional supplementation, and mobilization of their limbs. Patients should also be frequently wiped down to prevent bedsores.
2. After the patient's condition stabilizes, attention should be paid to their rehabilitation. Besides regular hospital visits for follow-up checks, patients should also undergo formal rehabilitation training, i.e., physical training. It is important to note that rehabilitation training differs from regular exercise. Excessive exercise or incorrect movements may even have adverse effects. Therefore, rehabilitation training should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor or a formal rehabilitation training institution.
3. Attention should be paid to the causes of delayed encephalopathy, and measures should be taken to prevent CO inhalation, such as frequently opening windows for ventilation and using more advanced and clean heating methods. Enterprises that generate CO emissions should also enhance protection for their workers. Delayed encephalopathy is a highly harmful brain disease. In case of symptoms such as coma and incontinence, patients should be promptly sent to the hospital for treatment with hyperbaric oxygen, hormones, and other therapies based on their condition. After the patient's condition stabilizes, rehabilitation training should be carried out to improve their health. Preventive measures should also be strengthened to prevent recurrence.
