Death occurs when the brain and brainstem stopped working completely, this is called brain death. There are a number of physical changes in pupil reaction, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature that are experienced when the brain dies. These changes, together with the loss of other natural responses such as breathing, coughing and blinking, cause to suspect that brain death as occurred. A number of specific tests are then done to find out whether or not the brain is working. Two appropriately qualified senior doctors perform tests to check if the cranial nerves, which originate in the brainstem and which control all vital involuntary reflexes, are working. For a person to be declared brain dead there must not be any response to each and every one of the tests. The doctors will ensure that they are absolutely certain of the results of these tests prior to making the diagnosis of brain death. Anyone from a child to an old person can be a donor. Even if you have had a serious illness in the past you can become a donor. No. The recovery of organs is carried out by well-trained surgeons with the greatest care and does not disfigure the body or change the way it looks.