diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/bodyparts/head.dm b/code/modules/surgery/bodyparts/head.dm
index eea421738d2..d5d220b6f2a 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/bodyparts/head.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/bodyparts/head.dm
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@
 		else if(brainmob?.health <= HEALTH_THRESHOLD_DEAD)
 			. += "<span class='info'>It's leaking some kind of... clear fluid? The brain inside must be in pretty bad shape.</span>"
 		else if(brainmob)
-			if(brainmob.get_ghost(FALSE, TRUE))
+			if(brainmob.key || brainmob.get_ghost(FALSE, TRUE))
 				. += "<span class='info'>Its muscles are twitching slightly... It seems to have some life still in it.</span>"
 			else
 				. += "<span class='info'>It's completely lifeless. Perhaps there'll be a chance for them later.</span>"