LAZARUS - A MEDICAL PHENOMENON?

 We have learned from the Gospel of John in the Holy Bible about the resurrection of Lazarus after being declared dead. Does this have any relevance for our modern medicine today? Read more about the philosophy behind…

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

Cynthia Malone from West Virginia asks:
 
I was told that a good old friend who, officially, was declared dead recently came back to life again shortly after. How mysterious! Any explanation, Doc?
 
Dr. Fritz:
 
In fact, what we define as Lazarus Phenomenon comes from Lazarus Bethany who, 2000 years ago, was resurrected 4 days after his documented death.
 

SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION

But please make no mistake, that’s not just a kind of historic or spiritual tale right or wrong. Rather, seemingly ‘rising from the dead’ has been confirmed in modern medical literature just a quarter of a century ago! Demonstrated by almost 40 cases reported, according to The British Geriatrics Society. Validated, inter alia, by a renowned nephrologist practicing in Michigan today.
 
Based on these scientific findings, in more than 80% of cases, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was realized 10 minutes after Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had ceased life. With good neurological recovery being observed in almost half of cases after stopping heart beat and breathing.
 
How explain this ‘contradiction’ medically? Obviously by the difference between

• Clinical death (lack of heartbeat, pulse, breath)

           and

• Biological death (no brain activity)

 
E.g., as research at the Canadian University of British Columbia reveals, extreme cold temperature may stop circulation (‘clinical death’), while in contrary, the cold may even protect the neurological condition.
 
Same situation at a New York hospital where a lady was declared ‘brain dead’ after drug overdose, only to wake up again shortly after. 
 
Feeding also the theory that the Lazarus Phenomenon may be due to buildup of pressure in the chest because of CPR, but once it ceases again, pressure may release and reactivate heart beat again.
 
In this light we have to see that only 3 years ago, an 80 years old lady has been frozen alive in a morgue at the hospital after being declared ‘dead’ - erroneously.
 

IN A NUTSHELL

 
The Lazarus Phenomenon obviously is not a miracle but a matter of interpretation of the link between body and mind.  While this link still is problematic in our modern medical system despite of many other achievements, it may well have been understood at the time when the Holy Bible was written – more than 2000 years ago.
 
That’s why the British Geriatric Society recommends to monitor the patient for at least another 10 minutes before declaring dead, as in many cases ROSC may occur during that timeframe. Instead of declaring death only 2-5 minutes after CPR, as it is the regular habit. Especially in cases of organ donations where 10 minutes of monitoring time is considered detrimental.

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DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.