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By exploring the depth of brain activity at the time of death, scientists at the Brain Institute have made an important discovery. For the first time, they observed a special wave, known as the “death wave”. This occurs during prolonged interruption of oxygen to the brain. This phenomenon, far from marking an absolute end, actually reveals an unmistakable complexity in the neuronal dynamics between life and death. The results were published in Neurobiology of disease
.Formation and course of the death wave
The exact time of death, down to the second, is impossible to determine. This is a complex process, which takes several minutes. There are cases that even when the process has started, it can be interrupted and the person comes back to life.
Withholding oxygen to the brain triggers a series of electrical events. Initially, there is a sharp decrease in electrical activity, the cerebral cortex is plunged into electrical silence. However, this silence is suddenly interrupted by a large-amplitude wave, which originates in the deeper layers of the cortex, viz. ShockingShocking brain activity. It is precisely this wave that people who have had a near-death experience, ie people who have survived cardiorespiratory arrest, describe.
As this “death wave” propagates the wavethe wave through the cortex, carrying with it the potential for complete cessation of brain activity. But, contrary to what its name suggests, this wave does not necessarily mean an irreversible end. If the brain is reoxygenated in time, a “resuscitation wave” may follow, marking the beginning of a slow but possible recovery of brain functions.
What are the implications of this finding?
This study shows that neuronal death is a gradual process, potentially ReversibleReversible, rather than a specific moment. she puts the lightthe light Critical role of pyramidal neurons in layer 5 of the neocortex, whose depolarization marks the initiation of the death wave.
This understanding improves our understanding of brain death, allowing us to understand that a flat electroencephalogram is not synonymous with permanent death. These findings suggest that, under certain conditions, it is possible to restore brain functions, thus providing new avenues for the development of neuroprotective treatments.
These advances may one day transform resuscitation practice in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest, reducing its risks. reactionreaction neurological and opening the the doorthe door For more targeted interventions to preserve essential brain functions.