A quarter century of the vegetative state: An international perspective

Journal/Book: J Head Trauma Rehabil. 1997; 12: 7201 Mckinney Circle, Frederick, MD 21701. Aspen Publ Inc. 1-12.

Abstract: Many countries have adopted the term persistent vegetative state (PVS), although several now prefer to use the term vegetative state until there is no prospect of recovery, when permanent vegetative state is the appropriate term. Many countries have published policy statements about diagnosis, prognosis, and management. Diagnosis depends on clinicians confirming that there are no cognitive responses, but misdiagnosis is not uncommon. Recovery is exceptional at more than 3 months after nontraumatic damage acid at more than 12 months after head injury; when it occurs after many months, it is usually very limited. There is wide international consensus that life-sustaining artificial nutrition and hydration are medical treatments that can be withdrawn once the vegetative state is declared permanent by more than one physician. Many courts have supported this as lawful, but only in the United Kingdom is a court hearing still required in each case before tube feeding is discontinued.

Note: Article Jennett B, So Gen Hosp, Inst Neurol Sci, Glasgow G51 4TF, Lanark, SCOTLAND

Keyword(s): epidemiology; nomenclature; prognosis; treatment withdrawal; vegetative state; NEUROPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS; CARDIAC-ARREST; BRAIN; PROGNOSIS; RECOVERY; INJURY

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