Updated Brain Death Criteria: EEG No Longer an Acceptable Ancillary Test

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has updated its Pediatric and Adult Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria Consensus Guideline.

• AAN recommends against using EEG, CTA, and MRA as ancillary tests.

In accordance with the updated AAN guidelines, an EEG should NOT be ordered as an ancillary test for establishing “electrocerebral silence” or "brain death."

Acceptable ancillary tests include radioisotope brain scan (most commonly used at MHC) or diagnostic cerebral angiography (if radioisotope brain scan cannot be performed).

MHC is in the process of updating its medical staff policy — Brain Death Criteria — to reflect this new guidance.