My aunt was in an accident last Friday, and her brain was without oxygen for over half an hour. She is now on life support (against her wishes). Her heart is beating unassisted, but she can't breathe without the tube, nor can she move. She can open her eyes but doesn't show any recognition of family, and hasn't shown signs of understanding (hand squeezes, blinking yes or no). She isn't married nor does she have children. The doctors have told my grandparents there is no brain activity, and she will be most likely never breathe on her own again. If she does she will be a vegetable for the rest of her life. They are asking my grandparents to donate her organs. Has anyone ever seen someone with this type of injury recover and lead a normal life again? Is it even possible after 30+ minutes without oxygen? (She was given CPR and the paddles at the scene.) To be honest I don't like them going against her wishes, and suffering. I'd rather she live on through her organ donations.
2006-10-03 04:24:55 · 16 answers · asked by ladypersephone21 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
It is extremely doubtful your aunt has any chance of returning to a normal life. Once the brain has been deprived of oxygen, the brain whithers away. I would assume that her doctors are running brain activity tests on her.
Pray, pray, pray. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Maybe God has chosen your aunt to live on through others (organ donations).
Best wishes to you, your family and your aunts friends. May you find the strength you need in God to help you through this difficult time.
2006-10-03 04:37:17 · answer #1 · answered by Laurie D 4 · 6⤊ 1⤋
I recently read there is a brand new machine that can detect brain activities that the present machines can't read or detect. Now realize that other machines had said no brain activity, but the new machines can tell deeper brain activity and when there is deeper brain activity these people can recover. Sometimes we wonder why some people come out of a coma this would explain it. Generally, 30 minutes without air will cause at least some brain damage, but that doesn't mean that it is hopeless. There could be some paralysis, but a person could have a valuable life regardless. Miracles still happen.
2006-10-03 05:28:45 · answer #2 · answered by ruthie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt. How sad it must be to watch a loved one suffer. My grandad died from a stroke earlier this year, so I've been in a similar situation, even though I was away from my family.
If there is no brain activity, then there is a high possibility that your aunt will pass on. Even if she does regain some brain activity, which could happen, but it it unusual, she will probably have no quality of life whatsoever. It seems like it is merely the machine that is keeping her alive, and that the kindest thing to do would be to let her slip away. But then, that is your grandparents' decision to make. It is hard, but I hope ultimately they make the right one and let their daughter go, and allow her organs to be donated.
When the end does come, I can only hope it is peaceful. Love to you and your family.
2006-10-03 05:33:08 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar experience with my father after a botched surgery. His heart stopped for 10-15 minutes and they had to use the defibrillators on him. The difference is that he did have some brain activity. I forgot the type, however, but the doctors told me that his chances of ever waking from the coma were under 10% and decreasing each day.
He did wake and I was able to spend another month and a half with him before he died from other surgical complications.
So yes, I have seen someone wake up under similar circumstances. However, if your aunt is showing no brain activity and she has been pronounced brain dead, then there is no further hope.
2006-10-03 04:35:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Aunt on life support, no brain activity, heart beating...any hope?
My aunt was in an accident last Friday, and her brain was without oxygen for over half an hour. She is now on life support (against her wishes). Her heart is beating unassisted, but she can't breathe without the tube, nor can she move. She can open her eyes but doesn't show any...
2015-08-10 21:58:35 · answer #5 · answered by Vernon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No Brain Activity
2016-09-28 06:17:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my sister in law had cardic arrest was gone for 25 min put on life support and done a eeg no brain activity and they took the life support off of her how long will her heart beat
2014-07-20 02:42:53 · answer #7 · answered by shirley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God bless your dear family. I have heard of folks being without oxygen for almost 2 min and recovering. I have never heard of anyone being without as much as 30 min. I guess miracles can happen. It is a tough thing to let someone go when they can open their eyes, have a beating heart, etc. It is a brave person who can admit it is best to let them go. If they remove her from all machines she most likely will go on in a short matter of time. Since it was her wish, I hope your grandparents can let her go. I can only imagine their horrible situation. God bless.
2006-10-03 04:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by Catie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i really don't think that she would ever be the same, i am so sorry for what has happend. I think you are right, but its very tough for parents to out live their children, young or old. My grandmother was put on a breathing tube in april, her heart was bad though, and they took her off the meds and eventually her heart stopped. Its a very sad situation, wish i could be more help, Good Luck to you sweetie
2006-10-03 04:35:42 · answer #9 · answered by Big D's Sexy Peach 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Oxygen deprivation for 4 minutes causes problems, 8 minutes is about the limit one will continue to exist. It is a very unfortunate situation and your acceptance and understanding, is very gratifying to see.
2006-10-06 18:32:45 · answer #10 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋