Definition & Meaning of "brain death"

What is "brain death"?

Brain death refers to the condition where all brain function has permanently stopped, including the brainstem, which controls essential bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. It occurs when there is complete and permanent damage to the brain, usually resulting from serious injury, stroke, or lack of oxygen. Brain death is different from a coma or a vegetative state, where some brain functions may still be present. In brain death, there is no possibility of recovery, and the individual is considered legally and clinically dead. Confirmation of brain death involves thorough testing by medical professionals to be certain that all brain function has truly stopped.