• Gea Drost, Anthony R Absalom, and Michael A Kuiper.
• University of Groningen, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
• Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2022 Oct 1; 35 (5): 570576570-576.

Purpose Of ReviewBrain death, also known as death by neurologic criteria (DNC), is a well-established concept. In this article, we present a short history of the concept and give an overview of recent changes and a practical update on diagnosis and definitions of brain death/DNC. Unresolved issues will be discussed.Recent FindingsThere is variability in brain death/DNC determination worldwide. In recent years, successful attempts have been made to harmonize these criteria and, consequently, to improve public trust in the process and diagnosis. An international multidisciplinary collaboration has been created and it has published minimum criteria, provided guidance for professionals and encouragement to revise or develop guidelines on brain death/DNC worldwide.SummaryThere are two sets of criteria for declaration of death. First, if there is neither cardiac output nor respiratory effort, then cardiopulmonary criteria are used. Second, if both the cerebrum and brainstem have completely and permanently lost all functions, and there is a persistent coma, absent brainstem reflexes and no spontaneous respiratory effort, death can be declared on the basis of brain death/DNC. Although attempts to formulate uniform criteria are ongoing, consensus has been reached on the minimum criteria. Some inconsistencies and questions remain.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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