WHAT IS BRAIN DEATH?
Brain death results from a severe, irreversible injury to the brain. All areas of the brain are damaged and no longer function. In situations of brain death, a person cannot sustain their own life, but vital body functions may be maintained in an intensive care unit for a short period of time. This maintains circulation to the vital organs long enough to facilitate organ donation. People who experience brain death can also donate tissue.
. Brain death is the complete and irreversible cessation of all brain function. It can occur following a catastrophic brain injury such as a cerebral hemorrhage or trauma to the head. In such cases, the heart and lungs can continue to function temporarily with artificial respiratory support, allowing the organs to remain viable for donation. Standards for the determination of brain death are very strict, and death based on the absence of brain function is legally recognized in every state and is an accepted medical and ethical principle.
Brain death is a diagnosis of death that is both medically and legally recognized. Brain death occurs when blood flow to the brain stops for an extended period of time. Without blood, the brain has no source of oxygen and without oxygen, the brain begins to die. A brain dead individual has been defined as one “who has either (1) irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions, or (2) irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brains” (Uniform Determination of Death Act, promulgated in 1980). Brain death may be caused by any condition that stops blood flow to the brain. Examples include acute injuries such as automobile accidents or when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. These conditions cause the brain to swell. If this swelling is not controlled, blood flow to the brain will stop, permanently resulting in brain death. For more information about Brain Death, log onto www.braindeath.org .
Brain death occurs when a person has an irreversible, catastrophic brain injury, which causes all brain activity to stop permanently. In such cases, the heart and lungs can continue to function temporarily by means of medical management and ventilator support. However, these functions also will cease when the machines are disconnected. Brain death is an accepted medical, ethical, and legal principle. The standards (as set by each individual hospital policy and procedures) for determining that someone is brain dead are very strict.
