What does "brainstem death" mean? A review of international protocols.
William E SpearsAriane LewisAzza BakkarElana Kreiger-BensonAndrew KumpfbeckJordan LiebmanGene SungSylvia TorranceSam D ShemieDavid M GreerPublished in: Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie (2023)
There is international variability in the intended meaning of the terms "brainstem death" and "whole brain death" resulting in ambiguity and potentially inaccurate or inconsistent diagnosis. Regardless of the nomenclature, we advocate for national protocols to be clear regarding any requirement for ancillary testing in cases of primary infratentorial brain injury who may fulfill clinical criteria for BD/DNC.