Inconsistency in brain death determination should not be tolerated

Abstract

Since it was proposed in 1980, the Uniform Determination of Death Act has provided the legal basis for determination of death by neurological criteria. The act contains language that allows for acceptable medical standards to be used to determine death. Since 1995, the American Academy of Neurology has provided guidelines for brain death determination (revised in 2010), but nationwide adherence to these guidelines has been incomplete. This variability could lead to misdiagnosis and erosion of public trust in this important medical practice. Physicians must work together as a profession to push for uniformity and accuracy in death diagnosis.