Supporting HIE Awareness Month

April is HIE Awareness Month, which offers a great opportunity to share information and resources for those who want to learn more. It doesn’t get as much attention as other disabilities in the AAC community, but some people with complex communication needs can trace the cause of their disability to Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). 

Let’s start by breaking down the term HIE.

• Hypoxic = lack of oxygen 
• Ischemic = restricted blood flow 
• Encephalopathy = affecting the brain

Whether diagnosed as newborns or later in development, this form of brain injury is frequently associated with other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, limited hearing and vision, feeding difficulties, and developmental challenges. There are many causes of HIE, including uterine ruptures and placental issues, near drowning, cardiac arrest, and other things that interrupt oxygen flow to the brain. By some estimates, 75-80% survive HIE, 50-70% experience seizures, and 40-50% develop a permanent developmental disability. Among those who have long-lasting disabilities, the effects range from mild to quite severe. The impact of HIE depends largely on what parts of the brain were affected and the extent of the damage.

Hope for HIE is an organization that supports global efforts to build awareness, educate families and professionals, and offer support. 

You can learn more about HIE Awareness Month here. (You can access their toolkit here).

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Disclosure: Carole Zangari is a member of the Hope for HIE Medical Advisory Board.