neurological criteria for death

The neurological criteria for death, often called brain death, mean that all brain activity has permanently stopped. This includes the brain stem, which controls basic functions like breathing and heartbeat. Tests show no response to stimuli, no spontaneous breathing, and no electrical activity in the brain. These criteria are used to confirm death when the brain no longer functions irreversibly, even if the heart is still beating with medical support. This determination ensures that death is recognized accurately based on complete and irreversible loss of brain function.