IOPO: Indiana Organ Procurement Organization, Inc.

What does brain death mean?

Brain death is an established medical and legal diagnosis of death. It is the complete and permanent cessation (stopping) of all brain function. It means that, as a result of severe injury to the brain, the body's blood supply to the brain is blocked, and the brain dies. Brain death is permanent and irreversible. A physician can confirm brain death beyond a doubt, using a strict neurological examination.