BASIC SCIENCE
Concepts of brain death
Rose Bosnell Hilary Madder
Abstract
The diagnosis of brain-stem death requires clinical testing of brain-stem function, with clear prior identification of the cause of apnoeic coma and exclusion of potentially reversible factors. This article explores the historical, philosophical and legal background of brain-stem death that has led to the UK code of practice for the diagnosis of death. The process for clinical diagnosis is discussed, stressing the importance of establishment of preconditions prior to testing. Basic brain-stem anatomy is reviewed in orde
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