5 ms·

When your brain doesn't get oxygen it will die. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_hypoxia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_hypoxia

• unnouinceput 7y ago
  It's more then that in this case. She had not vital signs at all, heart not beating and providing oxygen included.
  • pc86 7y ago
    The brain was provided oxygen, just not by her heart.
    • meowface 7y ago
      Also, perhaps during such a cold state more cells are able to stay alive despite having less oxygen to work with? Maybe due to a reduction in how much energy they use or need per unit time? Just speculating.
      • heavyset_go 7y ago
        Cell death is a metabolic process and it can be arrested if overall metabolism is arrested, as well.
  • Teandw 7y ago
    It's important to note that she had no 'detectable' vital signs. Not that she didn't have any vital signs. Very important difference.