The main cause of brain death is the cessation of blood and/or oxygen supply to the brain. This deprivation can stem from several critical events, most prominently cardiac arrest.
Here's a breakdown:
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Cardiac Arrest: When the heart stops beating, the brain is immediately deprived of oxygenated blood. This is a leading cause of brain death. Without oxygen, brain cells rapidly begin to die.
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Heart Attack: A heart attack, where blood supply to the heart is blocked, can lead to cardiac arrest and subsequently brain death if not rapidly treated.
Other potential causes, though not always the "main" cause and often leading to the above, can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Brain tumors
- Anoxia (complete lack of oxygen) from near-drowning or suffocation
In essence, any condition that severely and irreversibly cuts off the oxygen and blood supply to the brain can result in brain death. Cardiac arrest, directly causing oxygen deprivation, is a frequent instigator.
