Question

On the evening of December 30, 2018, the child was treated for difficulty breathing and their heartbeat returned to normal, accompanied by weak breathing. On the 31st, the heartbeat was normal, with approximately 20 spontaneous breaths per minute without ventilator assistance, and the child remained unconscious. On January 1st, the heartbeat was normal, and the number of spontaneous breaths without ventilator assistance decreased to about ten times per minute. On January 2nd, no spontaneous breathing without ventilator assistance was observed. After a Brain Electroencephalogram (EEG) examination by the doctor, brain death was declared. However, on January 3rd and 4th, the heartbeat was between 130-160 beats per minute, and the ventilator’s set breathing frequency was 25 times per minute. Occasionally, spontaneous breathing without ventilator assistance was observed. For this, the family is confused and wants to know if spontaneous breathing without ventilator assistance can still occur after brain death confirmation?

Answer

Firstly, in this situation, the child needs to rely on the ventilator to maintain breathing and life. For the family’s confusion, here are some suggestions:

  1. Stay calm and do not become overly anxious; do your best.
  2. Actively cooperate with the hospital doctors for relevant examinations and treatments. This is the answer to the question “After brain death, spontaneous breathing without ventilator assistance still occurs.” I hope it is helpful to you. Wishing you health!