Self-Determination, Best Interest and New Diagnostic Evidence regarding the Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States

Journal title SALUTE E SOCIETÀ
Author/s Silvia Zullo
Publishing Year 2013 Issue 2012/3EN Language English
Pages 17 P. 107-123 File size 110 KB
DOI 10.3280/SES2012-003007EN
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Recent studies on patients in a vegetative state undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging have made it possible to better differentiate the vegetative state from the minimally conscious state and have shown the prospect of detecting permanent islands of consciousness in these patients. These findings may further intensify the legal and moral dilemmas raised by these cases, in that scientific advancements are increasingly making the principle In dubio pro vita an elusive criterion to apply when dealing with patients who look as if they might return to a conscious state.

Keywords: Vegetative state, minimally conscious state, best interest, awareness, autonomy, neuroimaging

Silvia Zullo, Self-Determination, Best Interest and New Diagnostic Evidence regarding the Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States in "SALUTE E SOCIETÀ" 3EN/2012, pp 107-123, DOI: 10.3280/SES2012-003007EN