What is meant by brain death?
Brain death occurs in patients who have suffered a traumatic injury to the brain. As a result of the injury the brain swells and obstructs its own blood supply. Without blood flow, all brain tissue dies. Artificial support systems may maintain functions such as heartbeat and respiration for a few days, but not permanently. Brain death is an established medical and legal diagnosis of death. A physician can confirm brain death beyond a doubt, using a strict neurological examination. Click here for more information about brain death and cardiac death.
