Brain stem death is a medical term used to describe the complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, including the function of the brain stem. The brain stem is the part of the brain that controls vital functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. When the brain stem is damaged or ceases to function, a person will be unable to breathe or maintain other essential body functions without the aid of life support.
Brain stem death is a serious and often terminal condition that can occur as a result of a variety of factors, including severe head injury, stroke, brain aneurysm, or brain hemorrhage. It can also be the result of a brainstem injury caused by lack of oxygen, such as during a near-drowning or cardiac arrest. In order to confirm brain stem death, doctors will perform a series of tests to assess brain function and determine whether the brain stem is irreversibly damaged. These tests may include assessments of brainstem reflexes, respiration, and circulation. If brain stem death is confirmed, life support measures such as mechanical ventilation may be stopped, as the person is considered to be legally and medically deceased.
How is brain stem death confirmed?