What criteria or physical exam findings are considered when declaring a patient brain dead?

Answer 1

The apnea test is the final test performed to determine brain death.

Answer 2

To be declared brain dead there are three main diagnostic criteria: coma or unresponsiveness (no cerebral motor response to pain in all extremities), absence of brainstem reflexes (pupils/ocular/facial sensation and motor response/gag reflex/cough reflex), and apnea test.

Also, interestingly, two physicians are required to declare a patient brain death.

Answer 3

1. absence of brainstem reflexes such as lack of pupillary response to light, corneal reflexes, and absence of gag reflex.
2. lack of spontaneous breathing (if applicable: when temporarily taken off the ventilator)
3. unresponsive to any stimuli such as pain, no eye opening, verbal response, or limb movement