--- title: How Long Can the Brain Go Without Oxygen? What Happens? description: How long can the brain go without oxygen before permanent brain damage occurs? The answer varies depending on different factors. Learn more now. image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Brain-CGI-Image-Blue_96115522.jpg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - [Journal](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog) - 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What Happens? Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: June 09, 2020 When most people think about brain injuries, they think of some form of blunt force trauma — but impact trauma is not the only potential cause of a severe brain injury. Another significant cause of brain injury is a lack of oxygen to the brain. Known as anoxic brain injuries or hypoxic brain injuries, these afflictions result from oxygen deprivation that lasts more than a few minutes. In honor of [Brain Injury Awareness Month](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6810a1.htm), we’ve put together some information to help if someone you love has suffered an [anoxic brain injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/anoxic-brain-injury) or [cerebral hypoxia](https://www.spinalcord.com/cerebral-hypoxia). Here are some things you should know about when the brain suffers from a lack of oxygen: ## **What Causes a Lack of Oxygen to the Brain?** Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs through the body’s cardiovascular system and venous systems to the brain and the rest of the body. When something blocks or causes a stoppage or lack of blood flow, such as a blood clot or a prolifically bleeding wound, it prevents this critical supply of oxygen from reaching the brain. The brain uses about 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, which allows it to perform conscious and autonomic processes. ## **How Long Can the Brain Go Without Oxygen? A Timeline** How long can the brain survive without oxygen? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. For example, if the brain is receiving a limited supply of oxygen, it can survive longer than a brain receiving no oxygen. According to [MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001435.htm), a resource of the U.S. National Library of Medicine: > *“Brain cells are very sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Some brain cells start dying less than 5 minutes after their oxygen supply disappears. As a result, brain hypoxia can rapidly cause severe brain damage or death.” * When a brain goes an extended period with a lack of oxygen, neural cells begin to die through a process called apoptosis. Although some brain cell death usually occurs throughout a person’s life, large numbers of brain cells dying simultaneously can result in diminished brain function or brain death. However, the amount of time the brain can survive without oxygen before brain damage occurs will vary from person to person. According to the University of California, Santa Barbara’s [UCSB ScienceLine](http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=3643) website, the brain can withstand three to six minutes without oxygen before brain damage occurs. Regular training can help increase the body’s efficiency concerning oxygen consumption, allowing the brain to last for more extended periods without a fresh oxygen supply. For example, a professional freediver from Spain holds the [Guinness World Record](http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-time-breath-held-voluntarily-(male)) of holding his breath for 24 minutes and 3.45 seconds. ### **Oxygen Deprivation and Near-Death Experiences** There have been a variety of reported side effects or symptoms of a lack of oxygen to the brain. Some of these include hallucinations, delusions, and “[near-death experiences](https://www.livescience.com/11010-death-experiences-linked-oxygen-deprivation.html).” These experiences are due to oxygen deprivation and elevated levels of carbon dioxide — a gas that is toxic in high concentrations — in the blood. ## **Hypoxic Brain Injuries vs. Anoxic Brain Injuries** **![Cerebral Hypoxia, Cerebral Anoxia, Oxygen Deprivation Infographic](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cerebral%20Hypoxia,%20Cerebral%20Anoxia,%20Oxygen%20Deprivation%20(1).jpg?width=960&name=Cerebral%20Hypoxia,%20Cerebral%20Anoxia,%20Oxygen%20Deprivation%20(1).jpg)** Both cerebral hypoxia and anoxia are conditions that result from a lack of oxygen reaching or being absorbed by the brain. However, the difference between the two has to do with the amount of oxygen in the equation. A hypoxic brain injury occurs when there is a reduced amount of oxygen reaching or being absorbed by the brain. Anoxia, which is [derived from the Greek term](https://www.etymonline.com/word/anoxic) *an*, meaning ”not, without,” plus the first two letters of the word “oxygen,” followed by “ic.” This means that an anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain suffers from a complete lack of oxygen, or oxygen deprivation. According to the [Shepherd Center,](https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/brain-injury/about/types-of-brain-injury/anoxic-hypoxic-brain-injury) different types of anoxia include: - **Anemic Anoxia:** This occurs when the red blood cells are unable to carry a sufficient amount of oxygen to the brain, or when the body lacks the blood supply to carry enough to meet the needs of the brain. - **Anoxic Anoxia:** This condition is caused by a lack of oxygen in the air for a person to consume and leads to suffocation. - **Toxic Anoxia:** This condition occurs when poisons or chemicals impede the brain from receiving necessary oxygen from the body’s red blood cells. ## **Causes of Cerebral Anoxia and Cerebral Hypoxia** There is a multitude of causes of anoxic and hypoxic brain injuries. According to [Headway.org](https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/types-of-brain-injury/hypoxic-and-anoxic-brain-injury/), some of the potential causes of cerebral anoxia include: - A blockage of blood flow due to a blood clot or stroke - A severe asthma attack - Cardiac or respiratory arrest - Choking - Carbon monoxide or smoke inhalation - Drug overdose or poisoning - Electric shock - Low blood pressure resulting from disrupted cardiac function or blood loss - Strangulation or suffocation According to MedlinePlus, causes of hypoxic brain injuries include: - A blockage of blood flow due to a blood clot or stroke - Carbon monoxide poisoning - Choking - Diseases and physical conditions that prevent movement (paralysis) of the breathing muscles, such as some [cervical spinal cord injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/cervical-spinal-cord-injury) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - High altitudes - Pressure or compression of the trachea - Smoke inhalation - Strangulation or blockage of the airway ## What Factors Affect Brain Oxygen Deprivation Symptoms? Medical researchers are continually seeking new and more effective ways to slow the progress of hypoxia in patients and treat various forms of brain damage. One such method is the use of cold therapy, or what is known as [hypothermia treatment](https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001048.pub5/full). This form of treatment has been used to treat brain injuries that result from trauma or a lack of oxygen for many years. The idea is that [chilling the brain](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/how-is-brain-cooling-affecting-hypoxic-brain-damage) helps to slow metabolic processes, which reduces the amount of oxygen the brain needs to maintain body function. However, studies show a mix of positive and negative results. Methods of treatment for hypoxic brain injuries include speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, counseling and support groups, exercise, and nutritional counseling. To learn more about brain injuries and traumatic brain injuries, be sure to check out our complimentary guide by clicking on the link below. ## Sources:  - Olson, Leslie C., [How Brain Death Works](https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/brain-death1.htm) - Brain Death, [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-death/) - [Brain Injury By a Lack of Oxygen/Oxygen Deficiency](https://www.braininjury-explanation.com/causes-disorders/brain-injury-by-lack-of-oxygen), Brain Injury Explanation - [What Happens to the Brain Without Oxygen?](https://youtu.be/f_R_9Z0Afcw), AB Studio (video resource) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/df983bd5-f95f-475e-a9d9-96d9edb0c135.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/df983bd5-f95f-475e-a9d9-96d9edb0c135) **Topics:** Traumatic Brain Injury ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-lack-of-oxygen#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-lack-of-oxygen#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

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What Is a Spinal Contusion?

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Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

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For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

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A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

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Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

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Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

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Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

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Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

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Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

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If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "MedicalCondition", "alternateName" : "Oxygen Deprivation", "associatedAnatomy" : { "@type" : "AnatomicalStructure", "name" : "Brain " }, "code" : { "@type" : "MedicalCode", "code" : "413", "codingSystem" : "ICD-9" }, "expectedPrognosis" : "Lack of oxygen can lead to death depending on the amount of time. ", "possibleTreatment" : [ { "@type" : "MedicalTherapy ", "name" : "None" } ], "signOrSymptom" : [ { "@type" : "MedicalSymptom", "name" : "Stroke" }, { "@type" : "MedicalSymptom", "name" : "Choking" }, { "@type" : "MedicalSymptom", "name" : "Drug overdose" }, { "@type" : "MedicalSymptom", "name" : "Carbon monoxide" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "ItemList", "description" : "There have been a variety of reported side effects or symptoms of a lack of oxygen to the brain. 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