Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Anoxic brain injury physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Physical examination involves a thorough neurologic evaluation, with a focus on the extent of involvement of the brainstem.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Serial neurologic examinations are critical in the assessment of long term prognosis.
Eyes
The presence of peristently dilated pupils is a poor prognostic sign [1]. It should be noted that both catecholamines and atropine, can affect pupillary size, and confound the assessment of pupillary size.
Neurologic
Brainstem Assessment
The brainstem is more resistant to hypoperfusion that the cerebral cortex, and if the brainstem does not recover, the cerebral cortex is not likely to recover. The presence of brainstem reflexes is therefore critical to recovery. Preservation of brainstem function is indicated by the presence of blinking, coughing, gagging, sneezing, and yawning.
References
References
- ↑ Steen-Hansen JE, Hansen NN, Vaagenes P, Schreiner B: Pupil size and light reactivity during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A clinical study. Crit Care Med 1988;16:69-70.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]