Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
05:03
Brain Death Induction in Mice Using Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring and Ventilation via Tracheostomy
Published on: April 17, 2020
5.5K
New developments in guidelines for brain death/death by neurological criteria
David M Greer1,2, Ariane Lewis3, Matthew P Kirschen4,5
1Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. dgreer@bu.edu.
Nature Reviews. Neurology
|February 2, 2024
Summary
Harmonizing brain death (BD), or death by neurological criteria (DNC), is crucial for global medical consistency. Recent 2023 US and Canadian guidelines aim for accurate BD/DNC determination, enhancing public trust.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Ethics
- Legal Medicine
Background:
- Brain death (BD), also known as death by neurological criteria (DNC), is a globally accepted concept.
- Inconsistencies in BD/DNC policies necessitate harmonization efforts.
- Recent updates include the 2023 US and Canadian guidelines, following the 2020 World Brain Death Project.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review changes in the 2023 US BD/DNC guidelines.
- To compare US guidelines with Canadian and international standards.
- To address controversies and legal aspects of BD/DNC determination.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of international BD/DNC guidelines.
- Review of recent revisions in US and Canadian BD/DNC protocols.
- Examination of ethical and legal considerations in BD/DNC declaration.
Main Results:
- The 2023 US guidelines introduced specific changes to BD/DNC determination.
- Significant comparisons and contrasts exist between US, Canadian, and global BD/DNC practices.
- Ongoing controversies include neuroendocrine function and patient/family objections.
Conclusions:
- Harmonization of BD/DNC guidelines is essential for accuracy and public trust.
- The 2023 US guidelines represent an effort towards more conservative BD/DNC declarations.
- Further research is needed on controversial aspects and the international legal status of BD/DNC.
