"What You Lose When You Sign That Donor Card."

"Most people are surprised to learn that many people who are declared brain dead are never actually tested for higher-brain activity."

The exam for brain death is simple. A doctor splashes ice water in your ears (to look for shivering in the eyes), pokes your eyes with a cotton swab and checks for any gag reflex, among other rudimentary tests. It takes less time than a standard eye exam. Finally, in what's called the apnea test, the ventilator is disconnected to see if you can breathe unassisted....