Automated External Defibrillators

To the Editor: We congratulate Valenzuela et al. and Page et al. (Oct. 26 issue) on their studies of defibrillation in casinos 1 and airplanes. 2 The advantage of immediate diagnosis and treatment is certain. However, the authors missed the opportunity to demonstrate sustained preservation of neurologic, neuropsychological, and behavioral brain function. Discharge from the hospital is a crude criterion for survival with a healthy brain. 1 – 3 The best function, according to another commonly used standard, the Glasgow Cerebral Performance Scale, includes “minor psychological or neurological defects (mild dysphasia, non-incapacitating hemiparesis, or minor cranial nerve abnormalities).” Memory testing is not specified. This . . .