Brain Death

Brain Death is defined as "irreversible sessation of all fuctions of entire brain"

Criteria for brain death

Certain preconditions to be excludede prior to proceeding for the tests of brain death

    1. Rule out depressent drug use

    2. Rule out Hypothermia ( Temp should be > 35 Degree Cetigrade)

    3. Rule out Neuromuscular blocking drugs

    4. Rule out metabolic and endocrine disturbances

On physical examination certain criteria should be met to declare brain stem death

    1.  Coma and Apnea must coexist

    2. Absence of Brainstem function should be defined by

        a. Mid position of pupil

        b. Absebce of eye movements induced by oculocephalic and caloric tests

        c. Absence of movements of bulbar musculature including Gag and Cough reflex

       d. Respiratory movements absent with patient  on respirator