Brain Death Examination

Learn the comprehensive process of determining brain death in patients through this 26-minute video lecture by Dr. David Urion and Dr. Robert Tasker for OPENPediatrics. Explore the essential components of the brain death examination, including required criteria, reflex assessments, and the apnea test. Gain knowledge on identifying key nervous system components evaluated during the exam, understanding prerequisites for performing the examination, and interpreting apnea test results. Discover ancillary tests used in brain death determination. Delve into specific reflexes such as pupillary, corneal, oculocephalic, oculovestibular, and pharyngeal, while understanding important considerations like medication effects and proper test administration. Enhance your clinical skills with practical pearls and clarifications on critical aspects of the brain death examination process.

Intro
OPEN PEDIATRICS
1. History of traumatic, anoxic, or metabolic brain injury
3. Adequate vital sign parameters (blood pressure, oxygenation, temperature)
Pupillary Reflex
Topical administration of certain medications to the eye
Corneal Reflex
Oculocephalic Reflex (Doll's Eye Reflex)
Oculovestibular Reflex
Pharyngeal Reflex
Point of Clarification
discontinue test -before reconnecting child to the ventilator
Apnea test should be performed following both brain death examinations
Clinical Pearl