Guidelines for Determining Brain Death

The U.S. Uniform Determination of Death Act defines brain death as occurring when a person permanently stops breathing, his heart stops beating, and all functions of the brain cease. While the definition is not disputed, a 2008 study disclosed surprising and disturbing variations among hospitals in determining brain death.

In response, the American Academy of Neurology has issued new guidelines for determining brain death. The goal of the guidelines is to remove some doubt and variability among doctors, and to improve the quality of neurological practice.

See Jenifer Goodwin, When is Someone Brain Dead? Experts Revise Guidelines, USA Today, June 12, 2010.