SIR Medicine Investigation Abstract
BRAIN DEATH AND ITS PERCEPTION IN SOCIETY
Presenters:
Robert Forler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
David Qasem, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
Mentor:
Dr. Jeffrey I. Frank, University of Chicago
Abstract:
There is varied comprehension about the prognosis of patients with devastating brain damage. Devastating brain damage can lead to irreversible cessation of all brain functions, known as brain death. To both medical and lay people, the line between brain death and devastating brain damage is ambiguous. Even when there is agreement on the definition of brain death, the methodology to make the diagnosis varies from hospital to hospital. Over the past 40 years, the medical definition of death has changed significantly from one based on cessation of heart function to one based on cessation of brain function. This definition of death as cessation of brain function has been accepted by the major world religions. Based on physicians experiences with patient families, however, societal perception and acceptance of death defined as cessation of all brain function is not universal. Medical perception of what constitutes death is critical in diagnosing brain death: public perception of what constitutes brain death is critical in understanding death and accepting that death has occurred. This study explores perceptions regarding brain death and its significance in identifying that death has occurred.