[2][3] The phenomenon is named after the Biblical figure Lazarus of Bethany,[4] whom Jesus raised from the dead according to the Gospel of John.
As a consequence, the movement is possible in brain-dead patients whose organs have been kept functioning by life-support machines, precluding the use of complex involuntary motions as a test for brain activity.
[3] It has been suggested by neurologists studying the phenomenon that increased awareness of this and similar reflexes "may prevent delays in brain-dead diagnosis and misinterpretations.
[3] The phenomenon has been observed to occur several minutes after the removal of medical ventilators used to pump air in and out of brain-dead patients.
[4] It also occurs during testing for apnea—that is, suspension of external breathing and motion of the lung muscles—which is one of the criteria for determining brain death used for example by the American Academy of Neurology.