Confounding factors in diagnosing brain death: a case report

Jeffrey M Burns and Ivan S Login

Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Box 800394, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Neurology 2002, 2:5doi:10.1186/1471-2377-2-5


Published:	26 June 2002

Abstract

Background

Brain death is strictly defined medically and legally. This diagnosis depends on three cardinal neurological features: coma, absent brainstem reflexes, and apnea. The diagnosis can only be made, however, in the absence of intoxication, hypothermia, or certain medical illnesses.

Case presentation

A patient with severe hypoxic-ischemic brain injury met the three cardinal neurological features of brain death but concurrent profound hypothyroidism precluded the diagnosis. Our clinical and ethical decisions were further challenged by another facet of this complex case. Although her brain damage indicated a hopeless prognosis, we could not discontinue care based on futility because the only known surrogate was mentally retarded and unable to participate in medical planning.

Conclusion

The presence of certain medical conditions prohibits a diagnosis of brain death, which is a medicolegal diagnosis of death, not a prediction or forecast of future outcome. While prognostication is important in deciding to withdraw care, it is not a component in diagnosing brain death.