[Clinicopathological studies of the vegetative state--distinction between the vegetative state and brain death]

10 cases showing vegetative state and 2 cases of brain death due to severe brain damage were observed and the differences of clinicopathological findings between both states were discussed. The cases of vegetative state can be divided into three groups, first is widespread lesion in the cerebral cortex, second is in the cerebral white matter and third is in the brain stem. While, the diffuse whole brain damage including the vegetative center of the central nervous system causes brain death. We should like to emphasize that the most important structure to maintain the human life is the vital center in the brain stem, and that a human being, in whom only those function can be preserved, is possible to be alive as vegetative state. Prognostic value of the EEG indicating quality of survival noted in early stage after severe brain damage has not so important as the flat EEG revealed in brain death.