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Review
. 2021 Feb;92(2):169-180.
doi: 10.1007/s00115-020-01048-y.

[Irreversible brain death-Part 2. Spinalization phenomena]

[Article in German]
R W C Janzen, J Lambeck  1 , W Niesen  2 , F Erbguth  3
Affiliations
Review

[Irreversible brain death-Part 2. Spinalization phenomena]

[Article in German]
R W C Janzen et al. Nervenarzt. 2021 Feb.

Abstract
in English, German

Spinal automatisms and reflexes, peripheral neurogenic and myogenic reactions are common in patients with irreversible brain death. They are therefore compatible and are even understood by experienced investigators as confirmation of irreversible brain death. This article provides an overview of the phenomenology of irreversible brain death and discusses it from a neuropathological perspective. Furthermore, irreversible brain death is described in order to distinguish it from pathological movements and motor reactions in comatose patients or patients with disturbed consciousness due to severe brain disorders.

Spinalisationsphänomene, peripher neurogene und myogene Reaktionen sind nicht selten bei Patienten mit irreversiblem Hirnfunktionsausfall (IHA). Sie sind hiermit vereinbar und werden von erfahrenen Untersuchern sogar als Beleg des IHA verstanden. Der Beitrag gibt u. a. eine Übersicht zur Phänomenologie des IHA und diskutiert den IHA aus neuropathologischer Sicht. Des Weiteren wird der IHA in Abgrenzung zu pathologischen Bewegungen und motorischen Reaktionen bei komatösen oder bewusstseinsgestörten Patienten mit schweren Hirnerkrankungen beschrieben.

Keywords: Brain death; Motor reactions; Neuropathology; Pathological movements; Spinal automatisms.

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References

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