Both terms mean death. Understanding the differences between cardiac and brain death is important in understanding the difference between organ and tissue donation. Cardiac Death Irreversible cessation of respiratory and circulatory functions. A person declared dead by cardiac criteria may donate tissues such as bone, skin, heart valves and eyes. Brain Death Irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain, including the brain stem, as determined in accordance with accepted medical standards.
Brain death is different from a coma.
Brain death occurs when a person has permanent irreversible head injury, such as a trauma, brain hemorrhage, stroke or any prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain. Organ donors may also donate tissues. Attending physicians make every effort to save a patient's life and patient care is never compromised. The attending physicians follow hospital criteria and protocols using specific tests mandated by law to test for brain death. Options for organ and tissue donation are affected by a person's cause of death, age and medical condition.