
The brain sends chemical and electrical signals throughout the body to regulate different biological functions and sense environmental changes. The brain is composed of three main structures, the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. It can be particularly difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis, especially if a person can see their loved one breathing and showing signs of life. Brain death is a traumatic experience for everyone involved. The heart has a separate electrical system from the brain, which is why it still beats for a short while after brain activity stops.ĭoctors will carry out many tests before reaching a diagnosis of brain death. To sustain life, doctors place the person on artificial life support to keep the heart and lungs working.

A person can technically be alive after brain death, but they will never regain consciousness. When people damage different parts of the brain, they may notice changes in their personality, movement, vision, sleep, and other important bodily functions.Ī traumatic brain injury or stroke are some conditions that cause brain death.

The brain is the command center that controls the nervous system.

Share on Pinterest Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images
