Question

How long does it take for brain cells to start dying without a supply of oxygen? What can this lead to?

Options:
A) 2 hours; potential memory loss
B) 4 minutes; brain damage or death
C) 30 minutes; temporary disorientation
D) 6 hours; cognitive impairment

Answer 1

Brain cells are sensitive to lack of oxygen and can start deteriorating within minutes. Lack of oxygen can lead to cell death and various symptoms, including memory loss, due to strokes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brain cells are especially sensitive to lack of oxygen because of their requirement for a high-and-steady production of ATP. Neurons are very sensitive to oxygen deprivation and will start to deteriorate within 1 or 2 minutes, and permanent damage (cell death) could result within a few hours.

Without the oxygen supplied by blood flow, neurons in the brain region can die, leading to various symptoms such as headache, muscle weakness or paralysis, speech disturbances, sensory problems, memory loss, and confusion. The loss of blood flow to part of the brain is known as a stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).