Causes and Diagnosis of Brain Death The causes and diagnosis of brain death involve catastrophic brain injuries followed by detailed medical testing. Understanding the causes and diagnosis of brain death helps families, healthcare providers, and legal systems make informed decisions about end-of-life care and organ donation. Causes of Brain Death: Severe blows to the head — often from road accidents, falls, or violent trauma — can cause the brain to swell beyond the skull’s ability to accommodate pressure, leading to irreversible damage. A major stroke or aneurysm can cut off blood supply to the brain. This results in widespread brain tissue death. When the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen flow to the brain is halted. After just a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. Conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis can cause severe brain swelling. If not treated quickly, this swelling can lead to permanent brain damage or even brain death. Drowning, suffocation, or respiratory failure can result in prolonged hypoxia — the brain can only survive a few minutes without oxygen. Diagnosis of Brain Death: Medical professionals follow a strict protocol: If brainstem function is absent and the condition persists, brain death is declared. In South Africa, two qualified doctors—often including a neurologist or critical care specialist—must confirm brain death. In complex cases, they may use EEGs or cerebral blood flow tests for added certainty. Confirming the causes and diagnosis of brain death is essential for clarity, dignity, and appropriate next steps for the patient and their family. 👉 [Next: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Brain Death]