JMCR: Clinical Minute
Sadeghi, D., Mortazavi, S.R. & Khoeini, T. Lazarus phenomenon in a brain-dead patient: a case report. J Med Case Reports (2026).
Published in Neuroscience and Biomedical Research
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Lazarus phenomenon in a brain-dead patient: a case report
Article Highlights
- Reports a rare lower-limb–predominant variant of the Lazarus phenomenon in a patient with confirmed brain death.
- Demonstrates that complex spinal reflex movements can persist despite fulfillment of all accepted clinical criteria for brain death, including absent brainstem reflexes and a positive apnea test.
- Highlights the importance of distinguishing stimulus-induced spinal reflexes from purposeful or brain-mediated motor activity to avoid diagnostic confusion.
- Reinforces clinician awareness of atypical manifestations of the Lazarus phenomenon to support accurate brain death determination and timely organ donation.
- Expands the clinical spectrum of spinal reflexes observed after brain death and contributes to the literature on neurologic examination in critical care.
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Biomedical Research
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Biomedical Research
Neuroscience
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Neuroscience
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Journal of Medical Case Reports
This journal will consider any original case report that expands the field of general medical knowledge, and original research relating to case reports.