Is Brain Death Really Death?
Paige Taylor
PM Session
Ms. Valerie Wilkinson
July 6, 2016
Abstract
The concept of “brain death” is complex in terms of clinical evaluation as well as moral and ethical implications. I will examine how brain death is defined; how doctors conclude someone is brain dead; the difference between brain death and a coma; how brain death is occurs; and, if it is reversible. I will also discuss the implications of brain death as it relates to organ donation.
Is Brain Death Really Death?
The term “brain death” is relatively new to the practice of medicine. Until the 1950s when mechanical life support became a reality, doctors did not use the term “brain dead.” A patient was either alive or dead. In today’s medicine, …show more content…
Those steps include a clinical evaluation, which may require tests such as CT Angiography to look at the arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain; Magnetic Resonance Imaging to evaluate brain activity; and, Bispectral Index, which determines the level of consciousness. Another step is to establish the cause of the coma by history, examination neuroimaging and laboratory tests. Doctors will also establish the absence of brain-stem reflexes, such as the absence of pupil response to bright light in both eyes or any ocular movement, response to painful stimulus or the gag reflex. Finally, doctors evaluate the absence or presence of a breathing drive – the ability to breath without mechanical assistance.
Brain Death Versus Coma
Coma is a deep state of unconsciousness, which is the result of damage to the brain stem or cerebrum often caused by a traumatic brain injury, stroke, cardiac arrest, diabetes or drug overdose. Even though the brain stem is damaged, it is still intact and controlling the body’s survival functions such as a heartbeat, breathing and certain digestive functions. Brain death means the brain stem is so severely damaged that the body cannot survive without artificial support to sustain essential life functions.
How Does Brain Death Happen and is it
Paige Taylor
PM Session
Ms. Valerie Wilkinson
July 6, 2016
Abstract
The concept of “brain death” is complex in terms of clinical evaluation as well as moral and ethical implications. I will examine how brain death is defined; how doctors conclude someone is brain dead; the difference between brain death and a coma; how brain death is occurs; and, if it is reversible. I will also discuss the implications of brain death as it relates to organ donation.
Is Brain Death Really Death?
The term “brain death” is relatively new to the practice of medicine. Until the 1950s when mechanical life support became a reality, doctors did not use the term “brain dead.” A patient was either alive or dead. In today’s medicine, …show more content…
Those steps include a clinical evaluation, which may require tests such as CT Angiography to look at the arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain; Magnetic Resonance Imaging to evaluate brain activity; and, Bispectral Index, which determines the level of consciousness. Another step is to establish the cause of the coma by history, examination neuroimaging and laboratory tests. Doctors will also establish the absence of brain-stem reflexes, such as the absence of pupil response to bright light in both eyes or any ocular movement, response to painful stimulus or the gag reflex. Finally, doctors evaluate the absence or presence of a breathing drive – the ability to breath without mechanical assistance.
Brain Death Versus Coma
Coma is a deep state of unconsciousness, which is the result of damage to the brain stem or cerebrum often caused by a traumatic brain injury, stroke, cardiac arrest, diabetes or drug overdose. Even though the brain stem is damaged, it is still intact and controlling the body’s survival functions such as a heartbeat, breathing and certain digestive functions. Brain death means the brain stem is so severely damaged that the body cannot survive without artificial support to sustain essential life functions.
How Does Brain Death Happen and is it