My mom has went into cardiac arrest 10 days ago, they recessatated her and they have determined she may have been without oxygen to the brain for more than 20 minutes.  She has been unresponsive since.  Her pupils are dialated, no gag reflex, she has a tracheotomy and she does not cough when being suckioned, no response to pain and they did the cold water in the ear test to no avail.  She is breathing above the ventilator, is she considered brain dead, in a coma or what?  Is it possible she will recover from this.
Hello, Thanks for writing to Chat Doctor, I am Chat Doctor. I am sorry for what you have gone through, this was really unfortunate what has happened, as the doctors have told your mothers brain was without oxygen for 20 minutes or so, after that she is not responding to all the tests she has done to see signs of life in her, it means that her brain couldn't bear the brunt of oxygen deficit. Brain can only survive about 8-10 minutes without oxygen, 20 minutes was too much for its capacity. In my opinion unfortunately her signs show brain death and she according to medical science has no chances to recover, last and final test which is done is EEG to see brain activity if even that is negative then it is advised to get the patient off ventilator and let her go in dignity. I hope this answered your question, If you have more queries I am happy to answer you. Regards.