Brain death
From Ganfyd
Brain death is categorically not recoverable from, and the rest of the organism will follow into death shortly, regardless. It is a diagnosis to be reached without hurry, by senior and practiced clinicians and has positive features. Specifically, the diagnosis must be made by:
- Two Doctors
- One of whom must be a consultant.
- Both of whom must have been fully registered for over 5 years.
- Both of whom must be familiar with the tests and how to interpret the results.[1]
A persistent vegetative state, likewise is not recoverable from, but since the destruction of the brain has not reached the lowest ("vegetative") levels the organism can persist indefinitely with care which is not extraordinary. Interestingly, treatment with sedative Z-drugs such as zolpidem have paradoxically resulted reproducible improvements.[2]
Prolonged coma is less predictable. Despite the best and entirely successful efforts of all doctors and healthcare staff involved to not describe prolonged coma as brain death, stories of recovery are likely to appear from time to time. Investigation has not shown any foundation to them.
