Diagnostic of cerebral death

• unconsciuosness (Coma)
• wide, fixed pupils, bilateral
• no oculocephal reflex
• no corneal reflex
• no reaction on pain stimulus within the area of the Trigeminus- nerve
• no pharyngeal nor tracheal reflex
• loss of spontaneous breathing

An Angiography would be another test to do. Therefore a contrast medium is being injected on the level of the carotid artery, to show the perfusion of the brain.

As shown on the first Angiography-picture below, there is a clear and good perfusion of the brain and consequently well oxygenated. On the adjoining EEG (electro-encephalogram), you can see a good brain activity.

On the second picture the contrast medium wasn't able to circulate through the brain vessels. Therefore there is no perfusion of the brain anymore, and so the brain can't be supplied with oxygen anymore. On the EEG you can't see any activities, also called "flatline". If the EEG shows a flatline it's equate with the loss of the brainfunction.