Lazarus sign

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Lazarus sign

Lazarus sign (/læzərəs saɪn/), also known as Lazarus reflex, is a reflex movement in brain-dead or brainstem failure patients, which causes them to briefly raise their arms and drop them crossed on their chests (in a position similar to some Egyptian mummies). The reflex is named after Lazarus of Bethany, who - according to the New Testament of the Bible - was raised from the dead by Jesus.

Etymology

The term "Lazarus sign" is derived from the biblical character Lazarus of Bethany, who was resurrected by Jesus four days after his death. The reflex mimics the action of rising from the dead, hence the name.

Pronunciation

The term is pronounced as /læzərəs saɪn/.

Related Terms

  • Brain death: A state of complete and irreversible cessation of brain function, including the brain stem.
  • Reflex: An automatic and often inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse passing inward from a receptor to the spinal cord and then outward to an effector (such as a muscle or gland) without reaching the level of consciousness and often without passing to the brain.
  • Brainstem: The part of the brain continuous with the spinal cord and comprising the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, and parts of the hypothalamus, functioning in the control of reflexes and such essential internal mechanisms as respiration and heartbeat.

See Also

External links

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