Lance-Adams syndrome: Difficulties surrounding diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment after cardiac arrest

It is difficult to predict the neurological outcome in survivor of cardio respiratory arrest. We report a case of 32 year old survivor of respiratory arrest who developed myoclonic jerks following overdose of sedation during spinal anesthesia. We initially thought these to be myoclonic status epilepticus (MSE). Accurate distinction between MSE and Lance-Adams syndrome (LAS) is very important as both have very different prognosis. LAS is a common occurrence in cardiac arrest survivors where the cause is respiratory arrest. Less than 150 cases have been reported in the medical literature till date. Making an early diagnosis and properly managing LAS is positively related to improving the patient's functional outcome. The aim of this manuscript is to spread awareness and knowledge of LAS among ICU doctors. The diagnosis of LAS and the controversies and difficulties that surround its diagnosis and treatment and other aspects of prognostication in cardiac arrest are reviewed.