This volume thoroughly reviews the currently accepted methods and criteria for the diagnosis of brain death and discusses its legal, ethical, religious, and philosophical aspects. The book provides much-needed guidance for all practitioners who treat patients with catastrophic neurologic disorders evolving to brain death. Noted experts examine the complexities and potential pitfalls of clinical diagnosis of brain death in adults and in children and assess the relevance and limitations of confirmatory laboratory tests. Close attention is also given to neurologic states resembling brain death. Also included is a chapter on procurement and preparation of organs for transplantation