Abstract

DANTAS FILHO, Venâncio Pereira et al. Death concepts and brain death diagnostic criteria. Arq. Neuro-Psiquiatr. [online]. 1996, vol.54, n.4, pp. 705-710. ISSN 0004-282X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X1996000400025.

The authors present considerations about death and brain death concepts, as well the legal aspects for its diagnosis in Brazil. They also present the UNICAMP Protocol for the Diagnosis of Brain Death, revised and according with the current law, with standard techniques for the diagnostic exam. They emphasize the importance of a mature ethical position for this frequent and challenging situation.

Keywords : brain death; diagnosis; protocol; transplantation; law.