Related Experiment Videos
Reversible coma with prolonged absence of pupillary and brainstem reflexes: an unusual response to a hypoxic-ischemic
R A Ringel1, J E Riggs, J F Brick
1Department of Neurology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown 26506.
Neurology
|August 1, 1988
Abstract:
A quadriparetic man with multiple sclerosis became comatose with absent pupillary and brainstem reflexes for 48 hours following a respiratory arrest. A periodic electroencephalographic pattern was recorded 12 hours after arrest suggesting a poor prognosis. Despite the poor prognostic signs, clinical recovery to baseline occurred within 2 weeks. Reversible coma with absent pupillary and brainstem reflexes may occur in MS patients for prolonged periods and lead to potential errors in prognosis if not recognized.