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Related Concept Videos

Somatic Spinal Reflexes01:22

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Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
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A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
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The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
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Spinal reflexes in brain death.

Yesim Beckmann1, Yeliz Çiftçi, Tülay Kurt Incesu

  • 1Department of Neurology, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, İzmir, Turkey, ybeckmann@gmail.com.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|March 8, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spinal reflexes can occur in patients meeting brain death criteria, potentially causing diagnostic confusion. Physicians should recognize these reflexes are compatible with a diagnosis of brain death.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Spontaneous and reflex movements are documented in brain death cases.
  • These movements can introduce diagnostic uncertainty.
  • Evaluating spinal reflexes in brain death is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of spinal reflexes in patients fulfilling brain death criteria.
  • To determine if these reflexes impact the diagnosis of brain death.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewed 144 patients who met the criteria for brain death.
  • Documented spontaneous and examination-elicited motor movements.
  • Analyzed patient demographics, etiology, and hemodynamic data.

Main Results:

  • 32 out of 144 patients (22%) exhibited unexpected motor movements.
  • Observed movements included toe undulation, increased reflexes, plantar responses, Lazarus sign, and more.
  • No significant differences in age, sex, etiology, or hemodynamics were found between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Spinal reflexes are present in a significant subset of brain-dead patients.
  • Physicians must be aware that brain death can be diagnosed despite the presence of spinal reflexes.
  • Recognition of these reflexes aids in accurate brain death determination.