In this toolkit, you will find many resources to help your understanding of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria (BD/DNC), both conceptually and in practice. We present here a straightforward, easily accessible set of tools for use by anyone who may be involved in BD/DNC determination.

Table of Contents

1. Brain Death Toolkit Foreword
2. Pediatric and Adult Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria Consensus Guideline: Report of the AAN Guidelines Subcommittee, AAP, CNS, SCCM
3. 2023 AAN Brain Death Guideline eTables
4. AAN Brain Death Clinician Tools and Materials
5. Sample Brain Death Policy for Hospital Adaptation
6. Sample Brain Death Policy Checklist
7. Brain Death: Frequently Asked Questions for Healthcare Professionals
8. Brain Death: Frequently Asked Questions for the Lay Public
9. Brain Death Determination Webinar
10. NEJM BD/DNC Exam Video Demonstration on Mannequin
11. Determination of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria: The World Brain Death Project

This content was developed by the NCS Brain Death Task Force as an educational tool and not as a guideline or a policy. The principles of this content are based on the AAN guideline which are generally accepted by the NCS as valid and appropriate. Practitioners should refer to local ordinances that apply to the diagnosis of death in the regions in which they practice.

Copyright 2014 Neurocritical Care Society, Updated 2024

Please click here to view the NCS Legal Disclaimer for the Brain Death Toolkit.