The entire process occurs over approximately 24 hours and should not affect the burial arrangements. Brain death occurs when an individual has an irreversible brain injury, usually caused by a traumatic head injury or an intracranial hemorrhage. These injuries can obstruct blood flow to the brain, which is necessary for adequate functioning. Without blood flow the brain cells will not receive enough oxygen or nutrients and these cells will die. This can cause complete cessation of brain function.
Extensive testing is performed before the confirmation of brain death is made.
There is no possibility of recovery from brain death. The heart continues to beat only due to mechanical ventilation. In a coma state, the brain continues to function though it may be in varying states. Recovery is dependent upon how much damage the brain has incurred. This is very different from brain death.