How many minutes does the brain typically survive without oxygen?

The brain is highly sensitive to the absence of oxygen, and its survival time without oxygen is critical to consider in emergency situations. In general, brain cells begin to die after about 4 to 6 minutes of oxygen deprivation. Beyond this window, the risk of irreversible brain damage significantly increases. This timeframe is crucial for rescuers and medical personnel to understand, as it emphasizes the urgency of beginning resuscitation efforts as quickly as possible to restore oxygen supply. The ability to effectively intervene within this time frame can greatly influence the overall outcome for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or other severe hypoxic events.