Auditory evoked responses have limited utility after cardiac arrest

Recovery of both brainstem and cortical function are necessary for awakening from coma after cardiac arrest.1 Early post-arrest risk stratification and neurological prognostication focuses on assessment of the brainstem. The brainstem is more resistant to hypoxic-ischemic injury,2 so persistent dysfunction implies severe global brain injury and thus is a specific predictor of poor outcome.3 Among patients who awaken, recovery of brainstem function typically precedes that of the more complex cortical function, making it a useful early indicator of recovery potential.
Source: Resuscitation - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research