Brain death.
Brain death occurs whenever there is involvement of higher centers such as Cerebral Cortex and Thalamus (unresponsiveness and deep coma) and Brainstem and Basal ganglionic structures (loss of spontaneous respiration all cranial nerve, and postural reflexes). Involvement of Spinal Cord is less constant. Drug intoxication should be excluded. An electroencephalogram may be done but what is paramount is the physician's clinical judgment. The medico-legal implications of brain death is less complicated than it is generally presumed to be. It is extablishment of the legality of brain death concept that is crucial. This allows the physician to use his judgment to implement the law.
D001926:Brain Death; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D004470:Economics, Medical; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D012018:Reflex; D012119:Respiration; D013788:Thalamus / Q000503:physiopathology; D014481:United States