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I am a layperson as well but as I understand it the brain cells have not died in a brain dead patient, rather there is no sign of communication as you said. As

• comboy 10y ago
  Article suggests that the cells get destroyed: > If their efforts are stalled by a lack of oxygen, neurons are rapidly inundated with ions which build to toxic levels, causing irreversible damage. I mean, we may get into a discussion when does the brain cell die, like what if it still is a living cell, but can't act as a neuron anymore.
  • dredmorbius 10y ago
    "Damage" != "dead" (at the cellular level). But it can be sufficient to keep the brain from functioning other than at an exceptionally basic level. E.g., no voluntary movement, speech, understanding, consciousness.