How long can brain cells survive without oxygen before serious damage occurs?

How long can brain cells survive without oxygen before serious damage occurs?

• A. 2 to 3 minutes
• B. 4 to 6 minutes
• C. 6 to 8 minutes
• D. 8 to 10 minutes

Answer: (B)

Brain cells are particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. After approximately 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, serious damage can begin to occur. During this time, brain cells lack the necessary oxygen to sustain metabolic processes, leading to cell death and loss of function. This critical timeframe highlights the urgency in situations of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, where immediate action and restoration of oxygen supply are essential to minimize brain injury. Though brain cells can survive for a short period beyond this window, the likelihood of irreversible damage increases significantly after the 6-minute mark. This understanding is vital in emergency medical situations where preserving brain health can be the difference between recovery and long-term neurological impairment.

Brain cells are particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. After approximately 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, serious damage can begin to occur. During this time, brain cells lack the necessary oxygen to sustain metabolic processes, leading to cell death and loss of function. This critical timeframe highlights the urgency in situations of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, where immediate action and restoration of oxygen supply are essential to minimize brain injury.

Though brain cells can survive for a short period beyond this window, the likelihood of irreversible damage increases significantly after the 6-minute mark. This understanding is vital in emergency medical situations where preserving brain health can be the difference between recovery and long-term neurological impairment.