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The ocular microtremor record as a potential procedure for establishing brain death
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 1, 1977
Abstract:
The normal ocular microtremor possesses certain characteristics. Abnormal records are found in unconscious patients. Six patients with clinical manifestations of brain death showed complete absence of ocular microtremor when it was recorded shortly before death. A seventh patient who had taken an overdose of barbiturates had a virtually flat record which gradually improved as her coma lightened. The ocular microtremor record is proposed as a potential monitor of brain stem viability or death.
Insights
Ocular microtremor, a normal eye movement, is absent in brain death. This eye tracking can help monitor brain stem function and determine brain death.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ocular microtremor (OMT) is a normal physiological phenomenon characterized by continuous, low-amplitude, high-frequency oscillations of the eye.
- Understanding OMT's characteristics is crucial for interpreting its clinical significance.
Observation:
- Abnormal OMT recordings are observed in unconscious patients.
- A complete absence of OMT was noted in six patients with clinical signs of brain death shortly before death.
Findings:
- Six patients exhibiting brain death criteria demonstrated a complete cessation of ocular microtremor.
- One patient with a barbiturate overdose showed a significantly diminished OMT, which normalized with clinical improvement, correlating with brain stem function.
Implications:
- Ocular microtremor recording shows potential as a non-invasive tool for assessing brain stem viability.
- This technique could serve as an objective monitor for brain death determination.