As a medical professional with expertise in neurology, I can tell you that the time it takes for brain damage to occur without oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia or anoxic brain injury, can vary greatly depending on several factors including the individual's overall health, the extent of the oxygen deprivation, and the specific brain regions affected.

In general, irreversible brain damage can occur within minutes if oxygen deprivation is severe. For instance, after just 3 to 5 minutes of complete oxygen deprivation, brain damage can become irreversible. However, if the deprivation is partial, the timeline for irreversible damage may be longer. It's important to note that even brief periods of oxygen deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment and other neurological issues.

The brain is particularly vulnerable to hypoxia because it has a high metabolic rate and requires a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly. When oxygen levels drop, cells in the brain begin to die off, which can lead to a range of symptoms and long-term consequences.

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Time is very important when an unconscious person is not breathing. Permanent brain damage begins after only 4 minutes without oxygen, and death can occur as soon as 4 to 6 minutes later.read more >>