Spinal man after declaration of brain death.
Complex spinal automatism in a patient who was declared brain dead is described. These movements tend to appear once cerebrospinal shock has abated. We postulate that these manifestations are a reflection of the physiological potential of the isolated spinal cord. These spinal movements should be included in the revised guidelines for the determination of cerebral death.
Turmel
A
A
Department of Surgery, Notre-Dame Hospital, University of Montreal, Canada.
Roux
A
A
Bojanowski
M W
MW
D000328:Adult; D001926:Brain Death / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D012026:Reflex, Stretch / Q000502:physiology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology