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.
Lazarus phenomenon
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The Lazarus phenomenon is the unexpected return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after resuscitation has been abandoned. The term is named after Lazarus, who according to the Bible was raised from the dead by Jesus.
Although no single cause has been identified, there have been several mechanisms of survival postulated for Lazarus phenomenon patients. Hyperkalaemia associated with renal failure can cause cardiac arrest, and in one such case survival has been documented, with appropriate treatment, after 26 minutes of asystole.
Also, in most cases in cardiac arrest the EEG becomes flat within about 10 seconds.[1]
References
References
- ↑ van Lommel P, van Wees R, Meyers V, Elfferich I. (2001) Near-Death Experience in Survivors of Cardiac Arrest: A prospective Study in the Netherlands. Lancet, Dec 15;358(9298):2039-45.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]