The phrase "7 minutes of brain activity after death" is often used colloquially to describe a specific phenomenon known as "postmortem brain hyperactivity." It suggests that there might be a brief surge of heightened brain activity after the heart stops beating and the person is clinically pronounced dead. However, it's essential to clarify that the term is not a scientifically accurate description of what happens after death.
When a person dies, the heart stops pumping blood, and the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This lack of oxygen leads to the cessation of brain functions, including brain waves, within a very short period. Brain cells begin to die off rapidly in the absence of oxygen, and the brain's electrical activity, as measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG), quickly comes to a halt.
Research has shown that brain activity after clinical death is not uniform across all individuals, and it depends on various factors, such as the cause of death, the individual's overall health, and the speed of oxygen deprivation. Some studies have observed brief bursts of electrical activity in the brain after clinical death, but this activity is not considered indicative of consciousness or cognitive function.
The popular notion of a specific duration of "7 minutes" of brain activity after death is not based on scientific evidence and is likely a misconception or exaggeration of the actual events that occur during the dying process.
It's important to understand that the concept of consciousness and what happens after death remains a complex and debated topic. While there have been anecdotal accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) that involve vivid and profound experiences, the scientific understanding of consciousness, life after death, and NDEs is still an area of ongoing research and exploration.