Brain Donation Info - Vanderbilt University

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http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/gcrc/adc/brain.html

Vanderbilt Brain and Spinal Cord Donation Program

Many patients express an interest in making a contribution to medical

science to further research in the cause of neurodegenerative

disorders. In

Shy-Drager syndrome, also known as MSA, scientific study of human

brain

obtained after death holds the greatest hope for further

understanding and

ultimately development of therapies to treat the disease. The post-

mortem

examination, or autopsy, also provides important, precise medical

information to the family of the deceased.

Information for Patients

You may wish to sign a notice of intent to make your desire for organ

donation official. This notice of intent is not binding, but conveys

your

wish and request in writing to your family members that you wish to

participate in the brain and spinal donation program.

Information for Next of Kin

Your affected family member may wish to donate brain tissue for

special

studies and research purposes. You can concur with that decision by

signing

a separate consent for the donation which is often attached to his/her

medical record. Upon death of your loved one, you will need to sign

an

autopsy permit which gives legal consent for a medical doctor to

examine the

body and in particular, collect brain tissue.

We know that this will be a very difficult time for you and we

acknowledge

the generous gift and courageous act that tissue donation is for the

benefit

of others. You should know that tissue removal can be done in a way

that an

open-casket service can be conducted.

For More Information

Please contact:

Ms. Velma Watkins

Autonomic Dysfunction Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

AA-3228 Medical Center North

Nashville, TN 37232-2195

Phone:

Fax:

E-Mail: velma.watkins@...