The irreversible cessation of all brain stem function, confirmed by specific clinical tests carried out by two senior doctors. Brain stem death means the person has permanently lost the capacity for consciousness, breathing, and all other brain stem functions — they cannot recover. In the UK, brain stem death is legally and medically accepted as death, even if the heart continues to beat with ventilator support. When brain stem death is diagnosed, the clinical team will explain the situation to the family and may raise the possibility of organ donation. This is one of the most difficult conversations a co-survivor or family member may face, and specialist nursing support (from a specialist nurse for organ donation) is available alongside the medical team.
« Back to Glossary IndexBrain Stem Death
« Back to Glossary Index