Brain death is one of the most controversial and ethically complex topics in neurology, but it's a regular part of clinical practice. Late last year, a new set of guidelines was published that address some of the thorniest technical and ethical issues in the clinical determination of brain death. Unlike previous guidelines, the 2023 update addresses brain death determination in both adults and children. The guidelines were published by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Child Neurology Society, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Two of their authors join us today to discuss the changes, and best practices for communicating this information to families. Dr. Ariane Lewis is a professor in the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and the director of the Division of Neurocritical Care at NYU Langone Medical Center. And Dr. Matthew Kirschen is an assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They were interviewed by Dr. Masoom Desai of the University of New Mexico.
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