No, brain death cannot be saved; it is legally defined as death.
Brain death is a complex topic, often misunderstood because of the continued function of the body through artificial means. The following clarifies what brain death means:
Understanding Brain Death
It's important to distinguish between a coma, a vegetative state, and brain death. Brain death represents a complete and irreversible cessation of all brain functions, including the brainstem.
Key Characteristics:
- Irreversible: Unlike a coma, where there's potential for recovery, brain death is permanent.
- Complete cessation: All functions of the brain, including involuntary functions controlled by the brainstem like breathing, are absent.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion arises because, with the support of a ventilator, the heart can continue to beat, and the chest can rise and fall. As noted in the provided reference, "It can be confusing to be told someone has brain death, because their life support machine will keep their heart beating and their chest will still rise and fall with every breath from the ventilator." However, this is solely due to mechanical support.
Legal Definition
Brain death is recognized legally as death. This means that once brain death is determined, the individual is considered deceased, regardless of the continued function of other organs through artificial support.
Determination of Brain Death
The determination of brain death involves a rigorous process, often involving multiple examinations by qualified medical professionals. The tests confirm the absence of:
- Brainstem reflexes: Checking for responses like pupillary reaction to light, corneal reflex (blinking when the cornea is touched), and gag reflex.
- Respiratory drive: Assessing if the patient can breathe on their own when the ventilator support is briefly removed (apnea test).
- Cerebral function: Ensuring no response to stimuli and absence of any brain activity.
Ethical and Legal Implications
Because brain death is legal death, it has profound ethical and legal implications regarding end-of-life decisions, organ donation, and the discontinuation of medical support.
