Can you get brain damage from being on a ventilator?

Yes, it is possible to get brain damage from being on a ventilator for an extended period of time. The potential brain damage can be caused by decreased oxygen levels in the blood due to prolonged mechanical ventilation. Decreased oxygen and prolonged ventilation can lead to neurological deterioration known as Ventilator-Induced Brain Injury (VIBI).

VIBI is associated with multiple types of brain damage such as cortical atrophy, white matter changes, cognitive impairment, increased intracranial pressure, injury to nerve cells or axons in the central nervous system, among other complications. Long-term use of a ventilator can also cause subtle impairments which are difficult to detect through standard medical tests but may still impact quality of life and daily functioning.

Fortunately there are some strategies that can help reduce the risk of getting brain damage while on a ventilator including having regular assessments by healthcare professionals and continuous monitoring for early signs/symptoms. Limiting Prone Positioning (lying face down) time should also be avoided where possible since this position has been linked with delayed cognitive recovery after discharge from the ICU setting. In addition, clinicians should make sure goals for respiratory support are adjusted according to patient's changing needs throughout their care plan.