Overdose-Induced Hypoxic Brain Injury: Identifying and Mobilizing Evidence-Based Strategies

The toxic drug crisis is Canada’s longest-standing public health emergency, but many are unaware of the brain injury epidemic that underlies it. In cases of non-fatal opioid poisoning, respiratory depression reduces blood flow to the brain and causes irreversible damage, known as overdose-induced hypoxic brain injury. The proposed research project seeks to answer the question: What are the best evidence-based strategies for recognizing and responding to overdose-induced hypoxic brain injury? In collaboration with the BC Brain Injury Association (BCBIA), the project aims to address a critical gap in knowledge and care for individuals affected by brain injuries resulting from drug (primarily opioid) overdoses. By conducting a scoping review of existing literature, the project will identify best practices for recognizing hypoxic brain injuries after overdose events, such as screening and diagnostic tools, and outline evidence-based treatment approaches, such as rehabilitation and pharmaceutical therapies. The BCBIA, which provides support and resources for individuals with brain injuries, is facing a growing challenge as overdose-induced brain injuries increase amid the ongoing toxic drug crisis in BC. This project will help the BCBIA better respond to this crisis by equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance services for the communities they support across the province. Key deliverables from this project will include a comprehensive scoping review, suitable for publication, as well as accessible knowledge mobilization outputs that translate findings from the scoping review, including an evidence brief, infographic and a section of the BCBIA webpage (https://www.brainstreams.ca/). Additionally, the intern will present the findings at community events and conferences, in an effort to promote widespread adoption of the identified strategies and raise awareness for this under-recognized type of brain injury. The anticipated social and economic benefits for BCBIA include enhanced capacity to support survivors and their families, evidence to inform program development and grant applications, access to materials to promote awareness and reduce stigma, and the development of new partnerships with researchers and healthcare providers. Ultimately, this project will not only fill a critical gap in the knowledge base, but it will also empower communities to better address overdose-induced brain injury in BC and abroad.