Aivokuolema

Aivokuolema, translated as brain death in English, is a medical and legal concept that signifies the irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain, including the brainstem. This condition is distinct from coma or persistent vegetative state, where some brain activity may persist. Brain death is considered the definitive endpoint of a person's life, as the brain is the organ responsible for consciousness, thought, and regulation of essential bodily functions.

The diagnosis of brain death is a rigorous process that typically involves a series of clinical examinations performed by qualified medical professionals. These examinations assess reflexes mediated by the brainstem, such as pupillary response to light, corneal reflexes, and gag reflexes. Further tests may be conducted to confirm the absence of brain activity, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) showing no electrical activity or cerebral blood flow studies demonstrating no blood supply to the brain.

The establishment of brain death has significant implications for medical treatment and legal purposes. Medically, it signifies that life support can be withdrawn, as the body can no longer sustain itself without artificial assistance. Legally, it is recognized as the point at which an individual is declared deceased, which has consequences for organ donation, inheritance, and other legal matters. The criteria for diagnosing brain death are standardized internationally to ensure accuracy and consistency.