Lazarus Sign

Lazarus Sign

Various spontaneous and reflex movements are described in brain death, the most dramatic of which has been labeled the Lazarus sign, after Lazarus, raised from the dead by Christ (John 11:1-44). This spinal reflex manifests as flexion of the arms at the elbow, adduction of the shoulders, lifting of the arms, dystonic posturing of the hands and crossing of the hands.

References

Saposnik G, Bueri JA, Mauriño J, Saizar R, Garretto NS. Spontaneous and reflex movements in brain death. Neurology 2000; 54: 221-223
Bueri JA, Saposnik G, Mauriño J, Saizar R, Garretto NS. Lazarus’ sign in brain death. Movement Disorders 2000; 15: 583-586