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Updated: May 30, 2026
05:03
Brain Death Induction in Mice Using Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring and Ventilation via Tracheostomy
Published on: April 17, 2020
Brain death--think twice before labeling a patient.
Rakhee Sodhi1, Sushant Khanduri, Harpal Nandha
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, GMCH, Chandigarh, India. rakhee.sodhi@gmail.com
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|August 2, 2011
Summary
A snakebite victim
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Brain death signifies irreversible cessation of all brain functions.
- Neuroparalytic snake envenomation can present with symptoms mimicking brain death.
- Prompt diagnosis is crucial to avoid premature withdrawal of life support.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with symptoms suggestive of brain death after a snakebite.
- Glasgow Coma Score was 3 with absent corneal reflexes.
- Ophthalmoplegia (internal and external) was noted, mimicking brain death.
Findings:
- The patient's condition was attributed to the neuroparalytic effects of snake venom.
- Symptoms resolved with timely administration of antivenom.
- The case underscores the importance of considering reversible causes of neurological deficits.
Implications:
- Misdiagnosis of brain death in neurotoxic envenomation can lead to tragic outcomes.
- Intensivists must consider toxicological differentials in patients presenting with apparent brain death.
- Early recognition and treatment of neuroparalytic syndromes are vital for patient survival.
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