Unresponsive patients post-cardiac arrest

As early as possible post-resuscitation, patients should undergo a detailed neurologic examination, comprised of a thorough assessment for consciousness and detailed cranial nerve function and motor response assessments. Neurologic assessment scores such as the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Pittsburgh Cardiac Arrest Category Score will be also be used. On the first assessment (day of cardiac arrest), the PCAC score should be assigned only on the basis of the best neurologic exam in the first 6 hours after ROSC. Patients that are sedated or intubated will have the verbal score of GCS be estimated by a derivation of motor and eye scores. The presence of potential confounders, including core body temperature, medications, and/or intoxicants, as well as metabolic derangements should be noted.