Did You Know? (Ep. 1)

In Episode 1, we discussed Atropine’s ineffectiveness in relation to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Herniation Syndrome.  Did you know Atropine administration is sometimes used as a test for brain stem damage and ultimately death?

Typically, a 3mg injection is utilized to evaluate the patient’s response.  If the patient has an increase in heart rate of less than 3%, the diagnosis of brain death is supported.

Young, G. B., MD, Aminoff, M. J., MD, & Wilterdink, J. L., MD. (2013). Diagnosis of brain death. UpToDate, 20(3).