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Publication
New taxonomy for prolonged disorders of consciousness may help with decisions on withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration: A proposed decision-making pathway
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The number of patients surviving severe brain injury is
increasing; however, many are left in a prolonged disorder of consciousness. With appropriate treatment, these
patients can survive for years. Unless a living will exists; the
doctors can authorize withdrawal of artificial nutrition
and hydration for these patients, based on best interests. There is an urge to revise the current terminology
used in prolonged disorders of consciousness (vegetative
state and minimally conscious state) to better reflect our
understanding of these conditions, which will, in turn,
ease the challenges faced when making a decision about
withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration of these
patients. A decision-making pathway based on a new
taxonomy is proposed. The importance of reassessment
is reinforced to clarify diagnosis and help with prognosis. Adopting a new classification for prolonged disorders
of consciousness would clarify how we think about these
patients
Description
Keywords
Clinically assisted nutrition and hydration Consciousness Covert cognition Decision-making Minimally conscious state Prolonged disorders of consciousness Vegetative state
Citation
da Conceição Teixeira, L., Rocha, N., & Nunes, R. (2021). New taxonomy for prolonged disorders of consciousness may help with decisions on withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration: A proposed decision-making pathway. Journal of rehabilitation medicine, 53(5), jrm00193. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-2834
Publisher
Foundation of Rehabilitation Information