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What Does Absence Of Brain Function While On Ventilator Support Indicate?

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Posted on Sun, 23 Aug 2015
Twitter Sun, 23 Aug 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 14 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : I have a relative on a vent and no brain function. what does that reallymean?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it means that he can't make it without mechanical support

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

you haven't mentioned any diagnosis although he's already done a lot of tests (I suppose). No brain function might mean that his brain was partially destroyed because of a vascular event (like a stroke) or because of systemic ischemia (after a heart attack for example). I couldn't possibly know what happened but if his brain is not functioning then his chances of waking up are extremely low, close to zero.

When brain damage is suspected, there are some brain reflexes that can be elicited. These tests determine a basic functionality. If the basic functionality is impaired then the patient can only live with the help of mechanical support.

I hope I've addressed your query!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3815 Questions

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What Does Absence Of Brain Function While On Ventilator Support Indicate?

Brief Answer: it means that he can't make it without mechanical support Detailed Answer: Hello, you haven't mentioned any diagnosis although he's already done a lot of tests (I suppose). No brain function might mean that his brain was partially destroyed because of a vascular event (like a stroke) or because of systemic ischemia (after a heart attack for example). I couldn't possibly know what happened but if his brain is not functioning then his chances of waking up are extremely low, close to zero. When brain damage is suspected, there are some brain reflexes that can be elicited. These tests determine a basic functionality. If the basic functionality is impaired then the patient can only live with the help of mechanical support. I hope I've addressed your query! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!