Alive inside |
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| Authors: | Andrew Peterson Adrian M Owen Jason Karlawish |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Philosophy, Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia;2. Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada;3. Departments of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Neurology, Penn Memory Center and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Abstract: | This article provides an ethical analysis of the U.S. practice guideline update on disorders of consciousness. Our analysis focuses on the guideline’s recommendations regarding the use of investigational neuroimaging methods to assess brain-injured patients. Complex and multifaceted ethical issues have emerged because these methods alter the clinical understanding of consciousness. We address issues of false hope, patient suffering, and cost. We argue that, in spite of these concerns, there is significant benefit to using neuroimaging to assess brain-injured patients in most cases. |
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| Keywords: | consciousness disorders of consciousness minimally conscious state neuroethics neuroimaging neurology vegetative state |
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