Clinically dead is a term used to describe a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest, which means that the heart has stopped beating and the person has no pulse. According to medical experts, a person can be clinically dead for up to 10 minutes before brain death occurs. Brain death can occur as soon as four minutes after a person has stopped breathing, and after 10 minutes of no oxygen, the brain cells begin to die. After this time, the chances of survival are very slim.
Signs of Clinical Death
When a person has suffered a cardiac arrest and is clinically dead, there are a few signs that can be used to identify this state. Some of the signs of clinical death include:
• No pulse
• No breathing
• Unresponsiveness to external stimuli
• Pupils dilated
• Skin is pale and cool to the touch
Treatment of Clinical Death
When a person has suffered a cardiac arrest and is clinically dead, the first course of action should be to call for emergency medical help. Once help arrives, the medical professionals will attempt to resuscitate the patient by performing chest compressions and administering oxygen. In some cases, a defibrillator may be used to shock the heart back into rhythm. If successful, the patient can be revived and their vital signs will return to normal.
Long-Term Effects of Clinical Death
Although a person may be successfully resuscitated after a cardiac arrest, there can be long-term effects from the lack of oxygen to the brain. These effects can range from mild to severe, depending on how long the person was clinically dead. Some of the long-term effects of clinical death include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with coordination and movement. In some cases, a person may also experience depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
Clinically dead is a term used to describe a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped beating. According to medical experts, a person can be clinically dead for up to 10 minutes before brain death occurs. If successfully resuscitated, the patient can experience long-term effects from the lack of oxygen to the brain. It is important to call for emergency medical help if a person has suffered a cardiac arrest to ensure the best possible outcome.