Spinal Man after Declaration of Brain Death

Abstract

Complex spinal automatism in a patient who was declared brain dead is described. These movements tend to appear once cerebrospinal shock has abated. We postulate that these manifestations are a reflection of the physiological potential of the isolated spinal cord. These spinal movements should be included in the revised guidelines for the determination of cerebral death.

Brain death, Cerebrospinal shock, Spinal automatisms