Citation

Steube D. Neurol. Rehabil. 2000; 6(1): 7-10.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Kagerer Kommunikation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In spite of optimal emergency treatment, critical care and early neurorehabilitation patients with acquired brain damage may die or remain in permanent vegetative state. In all treatment settings a number of life- prolonging treatment decisions have to be made and the consensus-building process puts a great strain on the attending physician and the patient's family or guardian. Therefore it is necessary to consider questions like withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy, assisted suicide, drug intervention, e.g. drugs with >>double effect<<< or organ donation. Own guidelines need to be developed in accordance with established principles.

Language: en

Keywords

article; Assisted suicide; Basic principles of medical ethics; brain injury; Drug intervention; Ethics in neurorehabilitation; euthanasia; human; medical ethics; neurosurgery; Organ donation; physician attitude