“Cardiac arrest and brain function ”
My girlfriend went into cardiac arrest Sunday morning....at first I didn't know what was going on. I tried to sit her up and communicate with her...when I saw she was unresponsive I called 911 and the 911 operator guided me to start doing chest compressions...ems showed up and took over....it has been 48 hours and she is still unresponsive...she is having some brain activity and some slight body movements, which I assume are just involuntary muscle movements....my main question is will she ever recover brain function or will she remain unresponsive?
Female | 43 years old
Medications: Not sure
Conditions: Sickle cell
3 Answers
Cardiologist
First I’m very sorry to hear about your girlfriend. To answer your question it is almost impossible to give you a good answer. Brain function is very complex and is usually assessed with multiple tests as well as daily exams. Her doctors no doubt have ordered CT scans, MRIs and probably an EEG. Based on these findings and her exam they are best able to answer your questions.
I am sorry to hear about your friend. May God bless her.
It is hard for me to tell you about her course of disease and ability to recover. Will need a lot of information to make any kind of clinical judgement.
It is hard for me to tell you about her course of disease and ability to recover. Will need a lot of information to make any kind of clinical judgement.
I am so sorry to hear about your girlfriend's cardiac arrest. That must have been extremely traumatic for you. By providing chest compressions during those precious minutes before EMS arrived you have given her brain the best chance of recovery. Unfortunately, only time will tell how much brain recovery. 48 hours is still early. Hang in there. I'm praying for her recovery.
