The neuroethics of disorders of consciousness: A brief history of evolving ideas

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J87058

Journal:

Brain

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , , ,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Article reviews the current taxonomy of disorders of consciousness (DOC) and propose an approach to identifying and critically evaluating actionable neuroethical issues that are frequently encountered in research and clinical care for people with DOC. The authors begin with an overview of the field of neuroethics: what it is, its history and evolution in the context of biomedical ethics at large. They then explore terminology used in DOC, including definitions of terms such as coma, the vegetative state, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state, covert consciousness, and the confusional state. The discussion moves next to the clinical aspects of DOC, the natural history of recovery, and ethical challenges that arise within the context of caring for people with DOC. The article concludes with a discussion of key challenges associated with assessing residual consciousness in DOC, potential solutions and future directions, including integration of crucial disability rights perspectives.

Author(s):