[Criteria of brain death: 3d generation. Interpretation of criteria established by the Federal Chamber of Physicians in determining brain death].

The criteria of brain death published by the Federal Chamber of Physicians in 1982 in their second generation have stood the test of time and remain valid. The most important amendments in issuing a third generation are the following: In primary cerebral lesions supratentorial lesions have to be distinguished from infratentorial processes. In primarily the infratentorial processes EEG activities of the cortex max outlast apneic brain stem areflexia. Therefore in infratentorial processes controls of the EEG are indispensable. The extinction of evoked potentials, certain conditions being observed, may prove the loss of brain stem function and therefore may allow to shorten observation time, and may offer an alternative to isoelectricity in the EEG or cerebral perfusion stop as a diagnostic procedure. Additional tests for brain death are commented on. Special considerations are necessary in brain death in children.