Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/66548
Citations | ||
Scopus | Web of ScienceĀ® | Altmetric |
---|---|---|
?
|
?
|
Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Functional neuroimaging and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from vegetative patients |
Author: | Wilkinson, D. Kahane, G. Horne, M. Savulescu, J. |
Citation: | Journal of Medical Ethics, 2008; 35(8):508-511 |
Publisher: | British Med Journal Publ Group |
Issue Date: | 2008 |
ISSN: | 0306-6800 |
Statement of Responsibility: | D J Wilkinson, G Kahane, M Horne, J Savulescu |
Abstract: | Recent studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging of patients in a vegetative state have raised the possibility that such patients retain some degree of consciousness. In this paper, the ethical implications of such findings are outlined, in particular in relation to decisions about withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. It is sometimes assumed that if there is evidence of consciousness, treatment should not be withdrawn. But, paradoxically, the discovery of consciousness in very severely brain-damaged patients may provide more reason to let them die. Although functional neuroimaging is likely to play an increasing role in the assessment of patients in a vegetative state, caution is needed in the interpretation of neuroimaging findings. |
Rights: | Copyright status unknown |
DOI: | 10.1136/jme.2008.029165 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jme.2008.029165 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 5 Obstetrics and Gynaecology publications |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.