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 brainstem." (Uniform Determination of Death Act, promulgated in 1980)
Total cessation of brain function as manifested by the absence of consciousness, spontaneous movement, absence of spontaneous respiration, and absence of all brainstem functions.
death when respiration and other reflexes are absent; consciousness is gone; organs can be removed for transplantation before the heartbeat stops
an irreversible cessation of measurable brain function.
The irreversible loss of all brain function. Most states legally define death to include brain death.
An absence of messages or electrical impulses from the brain.
Death resulting from total, irreversible loss of all brain functions. Brain death occurs in patients who have suffered severe trauma or injury to the brain. As a result of the trauma or 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. Specific tests and examinations are used by physicians to confirm brain death. Brain death is an established medical and legal diagnosis of death.
a condition in which the brain ceases to perform the vital functions necessary to sustain life.
Occurs when a person’s brain activity stops permanently. It is impossible to return to life after brain death.
The total and permanent loss of all brain function; a medical and legal determination of death. Jump to Top
Occurs when a person has irreversibly lost the capacity for consciousness combined with the irreversible loss of the capacity to breathe. It represents the point at which a person is accepted as being dead even though their heart is still beating. Diagnosis of Brain Death is determined from detailed criteria.
a state where there is clear medical evidence that all significant portions of the brain have permanently stopped functioning and begun decaying. External medical equipment may make it appear that the person is still alive.
Brain damage that is irreversible that results in the loss of brain function. Evidence of brain death is observed through the cessation of breathing, the patients unresponsiveness to stimuli, an absence of any muscle activity, and a "flat-line" electroencephalogram lasting a specified duration of time.
Death caused by complete and irreversible loss of function of the entire brain, including the brain stem. The heart may continue as long as the breathing machine (ventilator is in place, but without the breathing machine, the brain no longer signals the body to breath and the heart soon stops from lack of oxygen.
Brain damage that is so severe and extensive that the brain cannot recover. Breathing has stopped, but the circulation may still be continuing because of artificial ventilation.
when the brain has permanently stopped working, as determined by a neurological surgeon, artificial support systems may maintain functions such as heartbeat and respiration for a few days Back
Death of the entire brain. (Taken to be indicated by either a flat EEG or lack of cerebral blood flow.)
Irreversible cessation of all function of the entire brain, including the brainstem, as evidenced by loss of all reflexes and electrical activity. Since 1970, many states have enacted legislation recognizing brain death as a criteria for determining death. Cardiac arrest: Cessation of the mechanical function of the heart, resulting in the loss of the arterial blood pressure and irreversible brain damage and death if blood circulation is not restored within minutes.
A condition that occurs when electrical activity of the brain has stopped. When a patient is brain dead, the person is legally dead.
The absence of electrical activity in the brain, as measured by an electroencephalograph.
A state in which all functions of the brain (cortical, subcortical, and brain stem) are permanently lost. [Click Here to Return to List
Brain death is defined as a complete and irreversible cessation of brain activity. Absence of apparent brain function is not enough. Evidence of irreversibility is also required.