Persistent or permanent vegetative state

TSUKAMOTO Yasushi

doi:10.20593/jabedit.8.1_47

In 1972,Jennet & Plum proposed the name 'persintent vegetative state' to the patient with severe brain damage due to trauma or ischemia and prolonged unresponsiveness. They used the term 'persistent' instead of 'permanent' as they are not sure about the irreversibility of consciousness. Recently, some authors in western countries use the term 'permanent vegetative state', if the unresponsiveness continues more than 12 months and permit withholding foods. Some author dares to discuss the possibility of using such patient as a donor of heart transplantation (Truog, 1997). American multi-society task force on PVS also uses 'permanent vegetative state' and permanent means 'irreversible' though it is empirically based. In PVS, we can not assure the irreversibility of consciousness, as some Japanese doctor reported the PVS patient gradually recovered consciousness, one after 3 years and the other 5.5 years (1981,Higashi). Moreover, words, persistent and permanent, both start with 'p' and I am afraid PVS sometimes is taken as 'permanent vegetative state'instead of 'persistent'. Japanese Neurosurgical Society defined PVS in 1974,in which the duration of unconsciousness should be more than 3 months. Obviously, it can not be taken to be permanent. Though there exists the possibility of the discussion of withdrawing foods from PVS patient based upon his or her 'living will'or upon financial bases, we must be careful in PVS, the irreversibility is not scientifically assured.

Persistent or permanent vegetative state

Bibliographic Information

Search this article

Description

Journal

References(12)*help

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Export

Report a problem