Co-chairman’s Summary

Abstract

It is well known from clinical experience that neurological recovery and the regaining of consciousness following a complete interruption of the cerebral circulation of more than 8–10 min. is a rare exception. It has been assumed that the ischemic damage leads to a lack of energy, resulting in loss of function and irreversible cell damage. Recent investigations, however, have proven this concept to be incorrect and four papers of this session contribute important information related to the question of the failure of functional restitution.