The Vegetative State
Medical Facts, Ethical and Legal Dilemmas

A survey of the medical, ethical and legal issues that surround this controversial topic.

Bryan Jennett (Author)

9780521441582, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 February 2002

242 pages, 54 tables
22.9 x 15.4 x 1.5 cm, 0.417 kg

'… an excellent starting point for those interested in this condition, its medical management and the issue it raises. It is well referenced and indexed, giving the reader ample suggestions for further reading without losing the main focus. The fact that its author is someone who has to deal with the day-to-day realities of caring for badly brain damaged patients and the consequences of the medical care they receive makes his views and opinions particularly relevant.' Bulletin of Medical Ethics

The strange and harrowing sight of a person being awake but unaware with no evidence of a working mind - the characteristics of the vegetative state - provokes intense debate and raises profound questions for health professionals, ethicists, philosophers and lawyers. This unique account by an unrivalled expert in the field, who himself collaborated in coining the term 'persistent vegetative state', surveys the medical, ethical and legal issues that surround this controversial topic. The medical definition and criteria for diagnosis are discussed, as are its frequency and causes, and possible outcomes. Ethical arguments discussed include the conflict between sanctity of life and respect for the autonomy and best interests of the victim, and between killing and letting die. Legal issues are explored with details of landmark court cases from the USA, Britain and elsewhere. This well-informed and carefully constructed account will be a benchmark for medical specialists, ethicists, lawyers and philosophers.

Preface
1. A syndrome in search of a name
2. Diagnosis
3. Epidemiology - frequency and causes
4. Pathology of the brain damage
5. Prognosis for recovery and survival
6. Attitudes to the permanent vegetative state
7. Medical management
8. Ethical issues
9. Legal issues in the USA
10. Legal issues in Britain
11. Legal issues in other countries
12. Details of some landmark cases
Index.

Subject Areas: Neurosurgery [MNN], Neurology & clinical neurophysiology [MJN], Medicolegal issues [MBQ], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC], Law [L]