(a) Brainstem death is due to absence of reflex with pathways through the

brainstem, which is mainly the physical link between all other parts in the brain
namely spinal cord, cerebellum, midbrain and cerebral hemispheres. This clinical
syndrome results in comatose patient, supported with mechanical ventilation.
Factors that are related include swelling which occur in the injured brain leading
to a rise in intra-cranial pressure. Consequently, brainstem death will occur by
the case of coning, where the brainstem is forced through the foramen magnum.
Inability of neuronal tissue to repair and regenerate makes it difficult to treat so
primary and secondary prevention are focused.
(b) Our body is made of billion of cells and the need oxygen and energy to
maintain their normal function. Somatic death occurs when the body cells
deprive of oxygen leading to cell death and disintegration. Further lacks of
oxygen causes cessation of cardiac function and respiration thus, systemic
circulation will discontinue as well. However, this can be reversible on early
detection as the vital organs may not be damaged completely. On the other
hand, brainstem death is utterly irreversible and the patient will be in a coma
state, needing ventilation. Reflexes are lost as well as response to all stimuli.
Ganglionic cells in central nervous system are the most sensitive to oxygen so
these will be mainly affected particularly on brainstem, a vital centre for the
maintenance of respiratory and circulatory systems. Besides, when it comes to
brain cells, they cannot be repaired or even regenerate hence, further explains
the irreversibility.
Reference:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/dna/place-lancashire/plain/A2451683
http://dying.about.com/od/glossary/g/somatic.htm
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Somatic+Death
http://www.frca.co.uk/Documents/115%20Brainstem%20death.pdf