[Legal Determination of Brain Death in Adults: Apnea Test and Electroencephalogram].

The 2020 Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria is the global consensus for brain death, a state of complete and permanent loss of brain function defined by deep coma, loss of brainstem reflexes, and loss of spontaneous breathing. Risk factors for apnea include hypotension at baseline, A-aDO2 opacification, hypoxemia, acidemia, and age. The test must be performed using positive end-expiratory pressure . In Japan, EEG is mandatory even under conditions that could be considered brain death. A single apnea test and electroencephalogram are reasonable methods for the diagnosis of brain death.