Lazarus Reflex on Physical Exam



The Lazarus sign is a reflex movement observed in brain-dead or brainstem failure patients. It involves briefly raising the arms and dropping them on the chest, resembling the position of Egyptian mummies. The reflex is mediated by a spinal reflex arc and can occur after ventilator removal or during apnea testing. It is a rare occurrence and has been mistaken for resuscitation. Long-term survival after brain death diagnosis has been reported in some cases associated with the Lazarus sign. Recovery is not possible after brain death.



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