MedicineNeurologyOtolaryngologyClinical MedicineGeneral Internal MedicinePediatric NeurologyPediatric Otolaryngologic SurgerySurgical ManagementPermanent Vegetative StatePersistent Vegetative StatePurchase OptionsWithdrawal Of Life-sustaining Therapy
The clinical criteria for diagnosing the persistent vegetative state\n(PVS), i.e., permanent unconsciousness, are reviewed, and the reliability of\ndiagnosis and remote possibility of recovery from this condition are\nevaluated. Legal trends relating to the role of physicians in deciding\nwhether to refrain from providing ventilator or nutritional support in cases\nof PVS are discussed. Appended to the article are Sections 2.20 and 2.21,\nconcerning withholding or withdrawing life-prolonging medical treatment, from\nthe