How long can the brain typically survive without oxygen?

The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and its cells begin to suffer significant damage within a very short period without oxygen. Typically, the brain can survive without oxygen for about 4 to 6 minutes. After that time, irreversible damage can occur, leading to serious neurological impairments or death of brain cells.

This time frame varies depending on various factors such as the individual's health, age, and external conditions, but the 4 to 6 minute range is widely accepted in medical literature as the critical window for brain viability without oxygen. Beyond this period, the likelihood of long-term damage increases significantly, making it crucial to restore oxygen supply as quickly as possible in cases of respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.