Spontaneous and reflex movements in brain death.
Spontaneous and reflex movements may be found in patients with brain death (BD). The authors prospectively evaluated their frequency using a standardized protocol. Among 38 patients who fulfilled criteria for BD, the authors found 15 (39%) with spontaneous or reflex movements. The most common movement was finger jerks. Undulating toe flexion sign, triple flexion response, Lazarus sign, pronation-extension reflex, and facial myokymia also were seen. These movements may be more common than reported and do not preclude the diagnosis of BD.
Saposnik
G
G
Department of Neurology, Hospital J.M. Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Bueri
J A
JA
Mauriño
J
J
Saizar
R
R
Garretto
N S
NS
D000328:Adult; D001926:Brain Death / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005121:Extremities / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012018:Reflex; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology