Brain death

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis of brain death has always been a difficult decision. Various countries have different diagnostic protocols and legislative requisites. With escalation in incidence of head injuries in recent decades, there will be more and more patients, on ventilatory support, with no real chance of ever regaining consciousness. Clinicians will be required to make these decisions more frequently. Probably the criteria will always be different in countries all over the world. In Pakistan we need to develop a protocol and have it cleared through the legislative process. A "Fatwa" is also needed from the Ulema in Pakistan as is also being practiced in Egypt and Saudi Arabia