ABC of brain stem death: Pitfalls and safeguards

Abstract

Criteria of brain stem death can be judged fairly only when they are correctly applied. The basic truth that we all make mistakes should not be allowed to blur the difference between fallible physicians and fallacious criteria. Recent controversies have, if anything, re-emphasised the soundness of the criteria used in the UK code. The adoption of similar criteria in other countries points in the same direction. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be aware of potential pitfalls. These fall into three broad categories: failure to ensure that preconditions and exclusions have been met; technical errors in testing; and mistakes in interpreting observed signs.