The isoelectric electroencephalogram. Significance in establishing death in patients maintained on mechanical respirators

Abstract

Experience with 25 isoelectric eeg''s obtained during the past 10 years with the 25 "respirator brains" examined during the past 3 years is presented. Characteristic neuro-pathological features of the respirator brain consist of severe brain swelling, gray to hemorrhagic discoloration, marked softening, and both anoxic necrosis and autolysis of neurons. An isoelectric eeg, defined as complete loss of cortical electrical activity with maximal amplification, if sustained for an hour or more under appropriate clinical circumstances, is highly suggestive of cerebral death.