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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Brain Death Induction in Mice Using Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring and Ventilation via Tracheostomy
Published on: April 17, 2020
Brain death: a clinical overview
William Spears1, Asim Mian2, David Greer3
1Department of Neurology, Boston University, Boston Medical Center, 85 East Concord Street, Room 1145, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
Abstract:
Brain death, also commonly referred to as death by neurologic criteria, has been considered a legal definition of death for decades. Its determination involves many considerations and subtleties. In this review, we discuss the philosophy and history of brain death, its clinical determination, and special considerations. We discuss performance of the main clinical components of the brain death exam: assessment of coma, cranial nerves, motor testing, and apnea testing. We also discuss common ancillary tests, including advantages and pitfalls. Special discussion is given to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, target temperature management, and determination of brain death in pediatric populations. Lastly, we discuss existing controversies and future directions in the field.
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