[Brain death--modern concepts]

Traditional definition of death-cessation of heart function-became obsolete, because it was indisputably ascertained that brain function may be totally an irreversibly destroyed, while other parts of the body continue to live including the heart. So the definition of death switched from the heart to brain function--a brain stem dead patient becomes'' a corps with a beating heart "(ghostly aspects of the medical progress). Early recognition of brain death before the unavoidable cessation of circulation is the basis of organ(s) transplantation. The tests necessary to show that the brain stem is not functioning take only a few minutes to carry out, but the moral and legal responsibility for such a diagnosis is tremendous. The best safeguards against suspicion of error are well-written guidelines. Doctors involved with diagnosis of brain death must acquire clear and unambiguous criteria. The purpose of this presentation is to contribute to wider distribution of knowledge of brain death symptoms in our local situation where organ transplants, including the heart, have been achieved. During the year 1994, 296 patients were admitted into the neurological intensive care unit, 32 of them in respiratory arrest. Ten were considered as potential organ donors but nine died during observation. However, one transplantation was performed: heart, kidneys, and corneae were donated and used.