Researchers have been able to decipher the “death wave” in the brain

By exploring the depths of brain activity at the time of death, scientists at the Brain Institute have made an important discovery. For the first time, they noticed a specific wave, which they called the “death wave.” This occurs during a prolonged interruption of oxygen to the brain. This event, far from signaling an absolute end, actually reveals an unexpected complexity in the neural dynamics between life and death. The results were published in Neurobiology of diseases.

Formation and path of the death wave

It is impossible to determine the exact time of death, even to the second. This is a complex process, and takes several minutes. There are cases that even when the process starts, it can be interrupted and the person comes back to life.

Stopping oxygen from reaching the brain triggers a series of electrical events. Initially, there is a sharp drop in electrical activity, plunging the cerebral cortex into electrical silence. However, this silence is suddenly interrupted by a wave of large amplitude, which begins in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex, like a wave wincewince From brain activity. This is certainly the wave described by people who have had near-death experiences, that is, people who have survived cardiac and respiratory arrest.

This “death wave” spreads like… WaveWave Through the cortex, bringing with it the possibility of a complete cessation of brain activity. However, 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, signaling the beginning of a slow but potential recovery of brain function.

What are the implications of this discovery?

This study reveals that neuronal death likely resembles a gradual process evacuationevacuationAnd not a final moment. She lays down a lighta light The crucial role is played by pyramidal neurons in layer V of the neocortex, whose depolarization marks the beginning of the death wave.

This understanding improves our perception of brain death, making us understand that a flat EEG is not necessarily synonymous with permanent death. These findings suggest that under certain conditions, it is possible to restore brain function, providing new avenues for the development of neuroprotective treatments.

These advances could one day transform cardiopulmonary arrest resuscitation practices, reducing the risk of cardiac arrest. After effectsAfter effects Nervous and open doordoor To more targeted interventions to preserve basic brain function.