Q Hello doctor, i would like to know more about brain death and organ donation. When can the doctors tell that a persons brain is dead? Who can be a donor? Does organ donation leaves the body disfigured?
Brain death refers to irreversible end of brain activity. It includes voluntary and involuntary activities necessary to sustain life. It occurs due to complete necrosis of neurons due to loss of flow of blood and oxygen supply. The EEG of a brain dead person shows no electrical activity. Their pupils do not respond to light. They do not respond to pain, and in the absence of signals from the brain, their breathing have stopped only the ventilator keeps them breathing. Brain dead person is said to be clinically and legally dead. The donor who is alive can donate only renewable tissues and cells to their family members and friends. Donor should have good health and can be from any age group, from newborns to seniors as there is no restriction on age. If donor is below 18yrs, the consent from parents or guardians is required. The physical condition of donor should be sound. When the donor is brain dead the donation consent is taken by the person who is lawfully in possession of the body. Organs are matched to the recipient on the basis of medical suitability, urgency of requirement, duration on waiting list and location.nNo , the organ donation doesnt leave any disfigurement as highly qualified surgeons stitches the body carefully.