The definition of brain deathGuadalupe MonroyMs. Taiya and Mrs. ReedMarch 3, 2014Brain DeathThe concept of brain death is not something that can be easily determined at a glance. It is a complex series of tests and time to determine whether the process of brain function is evident. An important set of questions to ask yourself is: “what constitutes brain death,” “how is it defined,” and “what happens next?” » Brain death should not be confused with coma because they are completely different. Organ donation is the most common outcome of someone diagnosed with brain death. If this happened directly to you or a family member, would you do everything possible to determine if the doctors were right? This essay will explain the tests performed on the body believed to be brain dead, the difference between brain death and coma, and how families could possibly handle the results of a brain dead person. The term brain death is defined as an irreversible loss of brain function in all parts, even the brainstem. Brain death can occur in a person who has suffered severe head trauma. There is a series of tests, if the result is positive it may mean that the person is clinically deceased. First, there is a medical history review to detect previous brain dysfunctions. The cause of the possible brain death is then examined to determine if it can be reversed. If there is no evidence that the drugs are causing the brain death, a complete neurological examination is performed. This exam includes: checking if there is a response to stimuli, not including spinal reflexes, pupils are absent and do not react to light, there are no facial or eye movements, no up -the-heart...... middle of paper. ..... with the person in his family. The process of determining whether a patient is brain dead can be complex and lengthy, but it is necessary to decide what happens next. There are many tests to define brain death in a patient and all of them are necessary, even several times. If it is successfully determined that a person is brain dead, the option of organ donation is one that I would support, as it could help turn a bad situation into a good situation. Brain death can be a long and sad process for the family or friends of anyone who has received a definitive diagnosis, but finding the silver lining, such as organ donation, can help overcome the feeling of losing someone. 'A. SourcesAjay Kumar Goila and Mridula Pawar (2009). The diagnosis of brain death. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2772257/. [Last accessed February 11 2014].