Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin… (The game was eventually postponed after Hamlin collapsed on the field after being hit during a play.)
The response from his care team: You won.
Youve won the game of life.
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Its not only that the lights are on, Dr. Pritts said during the press conference.
We know that hes home.
It appears all the cylinders are firing within his brain.
He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery.
Hisneurologic functionremains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.
Neurologically intact immediately started trending on Twitter after the Bills announcement yesterday.
Things sound promising, but what could this actually mean for Hamlin and his recovery?
SELF asked experts to break it down.
What does neurologically intact actually mean?
It depends on who you ask.
There are shades of gray with it.
What I may perceive as neurologically intact, a neurologist may be able to detect a small deficit somewhere.
Why does all of this focus on the brain matter?
During cardiac arrest, the heart abruptly stops functioning.
When the heart stops pumping, then it cant get blood flow to the brain.
Without oxygen, the brain starts to die.
A cardiac arrest leads to brain death in minutes.
They can walk independently and perform all activities of daily living independently, Dr. Feinstein says.
Being neurologically intact doesnt mean that a person is fully back to their previous functioning, though.
There may be parts of the brain that are stunned.
What might happen now?
It really depends, Dr. Adkins says.
Ultimately, Dr. Adkins says, its different for everyone.
There will likely be more testing now that Hamlin is no longer intubated, Dr. Feinstein says.
A full neurologic assessment is required to determine if he has any deficits, she says.
What he said to the team: Love you boys.
