Which test is used to confirm brain death?

Which test is used to confirm brain death?

• A. Lumbar puncture
• B. CT scan
• C. Electroencephalography
• D. Cerebral Angiography

Answer: (D)

Brain death means the irreversible loss of all brain function, including the brainstem. To confirm it, you need clear evidence that the brain is no longer receiving blood flow. Cerebral angiography does exactly that by visualizing the cerebral vessels with contrast; if the exam shows no intracranial perfusion, it provides strong, direct proof that cerebral circulation has ceased, supporting brain death determination. Lumbar puncture doesn’t assess blood flow or brain function; it’s used for CSF analysis and opening pressure, not death confirmation. A CT scan shows brain structure and injury but cannot prove absence of function. An EEG records electrical activity; while electrocerebral silence can occur in brain death, it can be affected by sedatives, metabolic issues, or other factors, so EEG alone isn’t universally definitive. Hence, demonstrating lack of cerebral blood flow with cerebral angiography is the most appropriate confirmatory test.

Brain death means the irreversible loss of all brain function, including the brainstem. To confirm it, you need clear evidence that the brain is no longer receiving blood flow. Cerebral angiography does exactly that by visualizing the cerebral vessels with contrast; if the exam shows no intracranial perfusion, it provides strong, direct proof that cerebral circulation has ceased, supporting brain death determination.

Lumbar puncture doesn’t assess blood flow or brain function; it’s used for CSF analysis and opening pressure, not death confirmation. A CT scan shows brain structure and injury but cannot prove absence of function. An EEG records electrical activity; while electrocerebral silence can occur in brain death, it can be affected by sedatives, metabolic issues, or other factors, so EEG alone isn’t universally definitive. Hence, demonstrating lack of cerebral blood flow with cerebral angiography is the most appropriate confirmatory test.