Can someone explain why a shot to the brain stem is thought to be instant "lights out"? Is there really any evidence other than going limp?

[Sourdough]

When the brainstem is shot, the body goes completely limp and unresponsive. I failed to see how this means that the person is instantly unconscious, wouldn't it be similar to being decapitated? I read reports of people blinking after being decapitated by command etc. Wouldn't they be conscious and feeling pain?

 

[obafgkm]

I have the same question. Damage to brain stem could result in locked in syndrome. Consciousness is widely thought to be in the cortex. In theory one could still be conscious after brain stem is shot. But the possibility should not be a real issue because blood loss at the wound (main arteries) should cut blood supply to the cortex very soon.

 

[jodes2]

The brain stem contains essential neurons and I think the brain just goes unconscious straight away. I wouldn't want to be decapitated either. Saying that, if I had a gun I'd just aim it into the centre of my head cos it feels more... You know.

 

[Someone123]

One thing about the brain stem- it is very small- 1/2" by 1/2" by 3" long- it you aim for it and miss a bullet can go out of your neck and do no real damage. With a shotgun your odds are better.

 

[Ligottian]

Lay down on your side and press a decent size caliber gun above your ear. By decent size, I mean a .38, .357, or .45 revolver.

 

[Lookingtotalk]

In every video i seen it looks like unconsciousness is pretty instant with gun by ear/side of head.

I mean if a punch knocks you unconscious, i feel like high% chance you get knocked out immediately.

Always a chance you don't, but it looks to be like over 90%

 

[scenery]

When the brainstem is shot, the body goes completely limp and unresponsive. I failed to see how this means that the person is instantly unconscious, wouldn't it be similar to being decapitated? I read reports of people blinking after being decapitated by command etc. Wouldn't they be conscious and feeling pain?

The brainstem transmits all signals from the body to the brain and vice-versa. It's also where your breathing centers are found. Destruction of the brainstem would most definitely lead to instant death—lights out immediately. My Neuroscience professor once joked that movies got it all wrong; if you actually wanted to ctb, you shouldn't shoot yourself in the temple.