A 65-year-old man on ICU has a GCS of 4 (E1 V1 M2) following a large intracerebral haemorrhage. Brainstem death testing is being considered. Which of ...

Question

A 65-year-old man on ICU has a GCS of 4 (E1 V1 M2) following a large intracerebral haemorrhage. Brainstem death testing is being considered. Which of the following brainstem reflexes must be absent for a diagnosis of brainstem death?

Accepted Answer

Pupillary light reflex, corneal reflex, vestibulo-ocular reflex, cough/gag reflex, and apnoea test

Answer

Deep tendon reflexes in all four limbs

Answer

Pupillary light reflex and plantar reflex only

Answer

All cranial nerve reflexes plus electrocerebral silence on EEG

Answer

Pupillary reflex, cough reflex, and absent spontaneous movements

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Brainstem Death Testing

A 65-year-old man on ICU has a GCS of 4 (E1 V1 M2) following a large intracerebral haemorrhage. Brainstem death testing is being considered. Which of the following brainstem reflexes must be absent for a diagnosis of brainstem death?