Kate-tastrophy
A Case Study in Brain Death
Author(s)
http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/collection/detail.html?case_id=227&id=227School of Medicine / Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
The Australian National University
rosemary.martin@anu.edu.au
Abstract
In this interrupted case, students examine the concept of unconsciousness and develop an understanding of how clinicians diagnose death. Developed for a freshman course in human biology, the case focuses on brain death, but raises related issues, including organ donation. With some modifications, the case could be used in a neurobiology or psychology course, or in a philosophy or ethics course.
Objectives
- To examine the concept of unconsciousness.
- To understand how clinicians diagnose death.
- To explore how brain trauma in the form of hemorrhage associated with the meninges can lead to loss of consciousness.
- To explore the legal and ethical framework in which organ donation takes place.
Keywords
Irreversible coma; brain trauma; unconsciousness; subdural hematoma; subdural hemorrhage; meninges; reticular activating system; organ donationEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Clinical educationFormat
PDFType Methods
InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) Medicine (General) Neuroscience Psychology
Date Posted
09/29/03Teaching Notes
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Answer Key
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