Abstract
Determination of brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) is a rigorous clinical process designed to ensure accurate and consistent diagnosis in both adults and children. This review summarizes the prerequisites for BD/DNC determination, neurological examination, apnea testing, ancillary investigations, and special clinical situations such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and targeted temperature management. It also compares recommendations from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN 2010), the Society of Critical Care Medicine/American Academy of Pediatrics/Child Neurology Society (SCCM/AAP/CNS 2011), and the World Brain Death Project (WBDP), highlighting similarities and differences in clinical assessment, indications for ancillary testing, and diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of examiner training, effective communication with patients' families, and adherence to legal and ethical standards to minimize diagnostic errors and promote standardized clinical practice in the determination of death by neurologic criteria.
