More about the Respirator Brain

Authors: Machado C , Saniova BD , Drobny M , Shiff A and Vega W

DOI: 10.23880/accmj-16000235

Volume 9, Issue 1

Abstract

Wijdicks discusses a historically controversial term: the “respirator brain”. When Walker first used this term, several neuropathologists expressed their skepticism and uncertainty regarding the concept of a respirator brain. The main controversy comes from the issue of considering the term “respirator brain” as an anatomical or functional concept or both. The so-called respirator brain is a dynamic process that may progress until pulmonary and/or cardiac disturbances terminate the patient’s life or until resuscitation is stopped. The final brain changes may be arrested at any stage due to various factors, including ischemia, acidosis, and intracranial hypertension.

Keywords: Respiratory Brain; Brain Death; Brain-Dead; Long Somatic Survival; Jahi McMath

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