The declaration of death and the withdrawal of care in the neurologic patient.
Intensive care technologies have led to an increase in patients who are neurologically devastated and deceased. The practical, moral, and ethical situations encountered can be varied and challenging to manage. Decisions and discussions surrounding withdrawal of care, death by neurologic criteria, and organ donation require significant knowledge of the prognosis, ancillary testing, and definitions of these processes. Experience and skill are often required on the part of physicians and staff to guide families through these most difficult of circumstances.
Manno
Edward M
EM
Division of Critical Care Neurology, Department of Neurology W8B, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. manno.edward@nayo.edu
Wijdicks
Eelco F M
EF
D001049:Apnea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement; D028761:Withholding Treatment