Brain death
ICD-10 G93.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of brain death.
Brain death is defined as the irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain, including the brainstem. It is a legal definition of death and is distinct from a coma or vegetative state. Clinically, brain death is diagnosed through a series of neurological examinations that confirm the absence of brain activity, including the absence of cranial nerve reflexes and the inability to breathe independently. The condition can result from various causes, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, or severe hypoxia. Patients diagnosed with brain death may still exhibit some reflexive movements due to spinal cord activity, but these do not indicate brain function. The determination of brain death is critical for organ donation processes and requires adherence to strict clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy and ethical considerations. The diagnosis must be supported by appropriate imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, to rule out any reversible causes of coma. Understanding brain death is essential for healthcare providers, as it impacts end-of-life decisions and family discussions regarding care options.
Detailed neurological examination results, imaging studies, and clinical decision-making processes.
Patients with severe traumatic brain injury, stroke, or hypoxic brain injury.
Ensure all neurological assessments are documented clearly, and include any consultations with other specialists.
Comprehensive notes on patient status, interventions, and discussions with family regarding prognosis.
Patients in intensive care units with severe brain injuries or those being evaluated for organ donation.
Document the timing of assessments and any changes in patient status to support the diagnosis.
Used when assessing a patient for brain death in the ICU.
Document time spent in critical care and details of the patient's condition.
Critical care specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of all assessments.
Brain death is the irreversible loss of all brain function, while a coma is a state of unresponsiveness that may be reversible. Brain death is legally recognized as death, whereas a coma may have potential for recovery.
