Thread by @MdFacep

I just heard about the Damar Hamlin collapse during MNF. I understand a defibrillator was needed and used with CPR on the field.

Blunt chest trauma during early (30mSecond) part of ventricular repolarization (T-wave upstroke) can illicit an "R-on-T" equivelant and cause V-Fib.

This is what we call 'Commotio Cordis' which refers to the sudden arrhythmic death caused by a blunt specifically-timed chest wall impact. Commotio Cordis is seen mostly in athletes in their teens and early 20's

I don't have all the facts, but I just found out and need more info

If this is true, then it was not a head or neck injury which is what most people automatically assume!

Tell me what you know so I may give a more informative assessment....

I was able to find a video on twitter and I can say that Commotio Cordis is the event that led to Damar Hamlin's Ventricular Fibrillation cardiac arrest.

Let's pray for him!

When we defibrillate and immediately resuscitate a ventricullar Fibrillation cardiac arrest patient

As in a witnessed or in-hospital V-Fib cardiac arrest, if Return Of Spontaneous Circulaton (ROSC) is achieved promptly, then prognosis is markedly improved and the following 2 hours define the likelihood of "walking out of the hospital"

The resultant "Cardiac Arrest" is very much different than a "Heart Attack"

The former, in the setting of Commotio Cordis" is otherwise healthy patient, has increased proportionally to the rapidity of normal cardiac activity

Defibrillation is vital for recovery ofcardiac rhythm

When we see a post defibrillation survivor of Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest victim, the patient is taken to the ICU or CCU for stabilization and a comprehensive evaluation which follows.

A wide range of hemodynamic and medications supportive resources are ready

I am optimistic and hope to hear positive medical updates about #DAMARHAMLIN

What I do not know is the amount of time #DAMARHAMLIN from the time of impact (cardiac arrhytmia onset) to the time of defibrillation.

When was CPR initiated.
How long was his brain deprived of Oxygen and circulation?

These factor affect prognostic indicators of recovery.