After approximately how many minutes without blood does the brain begin to die?

The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and irreversible damage can begin to occur relatively quickly after blood supply is cut off. Generally, after about 4 to 6 minutes without adequate blood flow, brain cells start to succumb to the effects of hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Within this timeframe, permanent brain damage can happen, as brain tissue relies heavily on a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered by blood. After the 6-minute mark, the likelihood of severe neurological impairment increases significantly.

Understanding this detail is crucial in emergency situations, as it emphasizes the importance of delivering first aid and activating emergency services quickly when someone is experiencing a medical crisis that compromises blood flow to the brain. This knowledge can be life-saving and highlights the critical need for immediate action in such scenarios.