Spontaneous and reflex movements in brain death

Neurology. 2000 Jan 11;54(1):221-3. doi: 10.1212/wnl.54.1.221.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Death / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Extremities / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement*
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reflex*
  • Spinal Cord / physiopathology