Reference : The ethics in disorders of consciousness

	Document type :	Parts of books : Contribution to collective works
	Precision :	Critical notes/edition
	Discipline(s) :	Human health sciences : Neurology
	To cite this reference:	http://hdl.handle.net/2268/95987

Title :	The ethics in disorders of consciousness
Language :	English
Author, co-author :	Demertzi, Athina [Université de Liège - ULg > > Centre de recherches du cyclotron >]
	LAUREYS, Steven [Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > > Neurologie Sart Tilman >]
	Bruno, Marie-Aurélie [Université de Liège - ULg > > Centre de recherches du cyclotron >]
Publication date :	1-Mar-2011
Edition :	1st
Main document title :	Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
Editor :	Vincent, J. L.
Publisher :	Springer
Pages :	675-682)
ISBN :	978-3-642-18080-4
City :	Heidelberg
Country :	Germany
Abstract :	[en] The introduction of the mechanical ventilator in the 1950s and the development of intensive care in the 1960s permitted many patients to sustain their vegetative functions and survive severe injuries. Despite such advances, in many cases patients were found to suffer from altered states of consciousness which had never been encountered before as these patients would normally have died from apnea [1]. The imminent ethical impact of these profound states of unconsciousness was reflected in the composition of the first bioethical committees discussing the redefinition of life and the concept of therapeutic obstinacy. In 1968, the Ad Hoc Committee of Harvard Medical School published a milestone paper for the redefinition of death as irreversible coma and brain failure [2]. The committee was comprised of ten physicians, a theologian, a lawyer and a historian of science, betokening the medical, legal and societal debates that were to follow. We will here give a brief overview of some ethical issues related to the concept of consciousness and the medical management of patients with disorders of consciousness, such as comatose, vegetative and minimally conscious states that may be encountered in the intensive care setting. We will emphasize the problem of pain management and end-of life decision-making.
Target :	Researchers ; Professionals ; Students ; General public
Permalink :	http://hdl.handle.net/2268/95987
DOI :	10.1007/978-3-642-18081-1

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	Fulltext file(s): File Commentary Version Size Access Open access Demertzi_AnUpdateEmerMedic_2011.pdf Publisher postprint 127.39 kB View/Open

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