The ocular microtremor record as a potential procedure for establishing brain death.

The normal ocular microtremor possesses certain characteristics. Abnormal records are found in unconscious patients. Six patients with clinical manifestations of brain death showed complete absence of ocular microtremor when it was recorded shortly before death. A seventh patient who had taken an overdose of barbiturates had a virtually flat record which gradually improved as her coma lightened. The ocular microtremor record is proposed as a potential monitor of brain stem viability or death.