aivokuolleet

Aivokuolleet is a Finnish term that translates to "brain-dead" in English. It refers to a state of irreversible cessation of all brain function, including the brainstem. This diagnosis is a legal and medical definition of death.

The determination of brain death is a complex process that involves a series of clinical tests performed by qualified medical professionals. These tests are designed to assess the absence of brainstem reflexes, such as pupil response to light, gag reflex, and corneal reflex. Additionally, tests to confirm the absence of spontaneous breathing and the ability to respond to pain are conducted. In some cases, further diagnostic tests like an electroencephalogram (EEG) or cerebral blood flow studies may be performed to support the clinical findings.

The concept of brain death emerged with the development of intensive care and life support technologies, which made it possible to maintain vital bodily functions even after the brain had irreversibly ceased to function. Legally, a diagnosis of brain death is equivalent to death from any cause. This determination has significant implications for medical treatment, organ donation, and the legal status of the individual. The criteria and procedures for diagnosing brain death can vary slightly between jurisdictions, but the underlying principle of irreversible loss of all brain function remains consistent.