Brain Death Flashcards
1
Q
define brain death?
A
no demonstrable brain stem function in the presence of a diagnosis compatible with irreversible brain damage
2
Q
commonest causes of brain death
A
head injury
intracranial haemorrhage
cerebral hypoxia
3
Q
what needs to be excluded in brain death
A
hypothermia metabolic endocrine drug depression neuromuscular agents
4
Q
who can diagnose brain stem death
A
2 senior doctors fully registered for at least 5 years
5
Q
who cannot diagnose brain death?
A
member of the transplant team
6
Q
5 brain stem reflexes
A
- no pupillary response to light
- absent corneal reflex
- absent caloric responses
- no motor responses in cranial nerves
- no cough or gag reflex
