The Persistent Vegetative State: The Medical Reality (Getting the Facts Straight)

Abstract

Th persistent vegetative state remains a puzzle. The Karen Ann\nQuinlan case concerned a PVS patient. Yet more than a decade later we are\nstill confused about what PVS is, still debating what principles should govern\ntreatment decisions for these patients--indeed some worry about whether these\npatients should be considered alive at all. Ronald Cranford begins at the\nbeginning, with the medical facts. Even among health care professionals,\nconfusion remains about what PVS is and the difference between PVS and other\nneurological conditions, particularly coma.