1
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Hansen MJ. Modelling developments in consciousness within a multidimensional framework. Neurosci Conscious 2024; 2024:niae026. [PMID: 38895541 PMCID: PMC11184344 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niae026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
A recent advancement in consciousness science has been the introduction of a multidimensional framework of consciousness. This framework has been applied to global states of consciousness, including psychedelic states and disorders of consciousness, and the consciousness of non-human animals. The multidimensional framework enables a finer parsing of both various states of consciousness and forms of animal consciousness, paving the way for new scientific investigations into consciousness. In this paper, the multidimensional model is expanded by constructing temporal profiles. This expansion allows for the modelling of changes in consciousness across the life cycles of organisms and the progression over time of disorders of consciousness. The result of this expansion is 2-fold: (i) it enables new modes of comparison, both across stages of development and across species; (ii) it proposes that more attention be given to the various types of fluctuations that occur in patients who are suffering from disorders of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Jørgensen Hansen
- Department of Philosophy and History of Ideas, School of Culture and Society, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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2
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Rubin MA, Lewis A, Creutzfeldt CJ, Shrestha GS, Boyle Q, Illes J, Jox RJ, Trevick S, Young MJ. Equity in Clinical Care and Research Involving Persons with Disorders of Consciousness. Neurocrit Care 2024:10.1007/s12028-024-02012-3. [PMID: 38872033 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-024-02012-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
People with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are characteristically unable to synchronously participate in decision-making about clinical care or research. The inability to self-advocate exacerbates preexisting socioeconomic and geographic disparities, which include the wide variability observed across individuals, hospitals, and countries in access to acute care, expertise, and sophisticated diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic interventions. Concerns about equity for people with DoC are particularly notable when they lack a surrogate decision-maker (legally referred to as "unrepresented" or "unbefriended"). Decisions about both short-term and long-term life-sustaining treatment typically rely on neuroprognostication and individual patient preferences that carry additional ethical considerations for people with DoC, as even individuals with well thought out advance directives cannot anticipate every possible situation to guide such decisions. Further challenges exist with the inclusion of people with DoC in research because consent must be completed (in most circumstances) through a surrogate, which excludes those who are unrepresented and may discourage investigators from exploring questions related to this population. In this article, the Curing Coma Campaign Ethics Working Group reviews equity considerations in clinical care and research involving persons with DoC in the following domains: (1) access to acute care and expertise, (2) access to diagnostics and therapeutics, (3) neuroprognostication, (4) medical decision-making for unrepresented people, (5) end-of-life decision-making, (6) access to postacute rehabilitative care, (7) access to research, (8) inclusion of unrepresented people in research, and (9) remuneration and reciprocity for research participation. The goal of this discussion is to advance equitable, harmonized, guideline-directed, and goal-concordant care for people with DoC of all backgrounds worldwide, prioritizing the ethical standards of respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Although the focus of this evaluation is on people with DoC, much of the discussion can be extrapolated to other critically ill persons worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Rubin
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Claire J Creutzfeldt
- Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gentle S Shrestha
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Quinn Boyle
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael J Young
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
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3
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Young MJ, Kazazian K, Fischer D, Lissak IA, Bodien YG, Edlow BL. Disclosing Results of Tests for Covert Consciousness: A Framework for Ethical Translation. Neurocrit Care 2024; 40:865-878. [PMID: 38243150 PMCID: PMC11147696 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The advent of neurotechnologies including advanced functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography to detect states of awareness not detectable by traditional bedside neurobehavioral techniques (i.e., covert consciousness) promises to transform neuroscience research and clinical practice for patients with brain injury. As these interventions progress from research tools into actionable, guideline-endorsed clinical tests, ethical guidance for clinicians on how to responsibly communicate the sensitive results they yield is crucial yet remains underdeveloped. Drawing on insights from empirical and theoretical neuroethics research and our clinical experience with advanced neurotechnologies to detect consciousness in behaviorally unresponsive patients, we critically evaluate ethical promises and perils associated with disclosing the results of clinical covert consciousness assessments and describe a semistructured approach to responsible data sharing to mitigate potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Karnig Kazazian
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Western Institute of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - David Fischer
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - India A Lissak
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
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4
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Young MJ, Awad A, Andreev A, Bonkhoff AK, Schirmer MD, Dmytriw AA, Vranic JE, Rabinov JD, Doron O, Stapleton CJ, Das AS, Edlow BL, Singhal AB, Rost NS, Patel AB, Regenhardt RW. Characterizing coma in large vessel occlusion stroke. J Neurol 2024; 271:2658-2661. [PMID: 38366071 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coma is an unresponsive state of disordered consciousness characterized by impaired arousal and awareness. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of coma in ischemic stroke has been underexplored. We sought to characterize the incidence and clinical features of coma as a presentation of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. METHODS Individuals who presented with LVO were retrospectively identified from July 2018 to December 2020. Coma was defined as an unresponsive state of impaired arousal and awareness, operationalized as a score of 3 on NIHSS item 1a. RESULTS 28/637 (4.4%) patients with LVO stroke were identified as presenting with coma. The median NIHSS was 32 (IQR 29-34) for those with coma versus 11 (5-18) for those without (p < 0.0001). In coma, occlusion locations included basilar (13), vertebral (2), internal carotid (5), and middle cerebral (9) arteries. 8/28 were treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and 20/28 died during the admission. 65% of patients not treated with EVT had delayed presentations or large established infarcts. In models accounting for pre-stroke mRS, basilar occlusion location, intravenous thrombolysis, and EVT, coma independently increased the odds of transitioning to comfort care during admission (aOR 6.75; 95% CI 2.87,15.84; p < 0.001) and decreased the odds of 90-day mRS 0-2 (aOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03,0.55; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS It is not uncommon for patients with LVO to present with coma, and delayed recognition of LVO can lead to poor outcomes, emphasizing the need for maintaining a high index of suspicion. While more commonly thought to result from posterior LVO, coma in our cohort was similarly likely to result from anterior LVO. Efforts to improve early diagnosis and care of patients with LVO presenting with coma are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Amine Awad
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alexander Andreev
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna K Bonkhoff
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Markus D Schirmer
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Adam A Dmytriw
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Justin E Vranic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - James D Rabinov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Omer Doron
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Christopher J Stapleton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Alvin S Das
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Aneesh B Singhal
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Natalia S Rost
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Aman B Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Robert W Regenhardt
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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5
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Wijdicks EFM. A Comatose State in Search of a Name: A History of Its Terminology and Semiology. Neurocrit Care 2024:10.1007/s12028-024-01973-9. [PMID: 38622486 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-024-01973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eelco F M Wijdicks
- Neurocritical Care Services, Saint Marys Campus, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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6
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Young MJ, Fecchio M, Bodien YG, Edlow BL. Covert cortical processing: a diagnosis in search of a definition. Neurosci Conscious 2024; 2024:niad026. [PMID: 38327828 PMCID: PMC10849751 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, clinical evaluation of unresponsive patients following brain injury has relied principally on serial behavioral examination to search for emerging signs of consciousness and track recovery. Advances in neuroimaging and electrophysiologic techniques now enable clinicians to peer into residual brain functions even in the absence of overt behavioral signs. These advances have expanded clinicians' ability to sub-stratify behaviorally unresponsive and seemingly unaware patients following brain injury by querying and classifying covert brain activity made evident through active or passive neuroimaging or electrophysiologic techniques, including functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation-EEG, and positron emission tomography. Clinical research has thus reciprocally influenced clinical practice, giving rise to new diagnostic categories including cognitive-motor dissociation (i.e. 'covert consciousness') and covert cortical processing (CCP). While covert consciousness has received extensive attention and study, CCP is relatively less understood. We describe that CCP is an emerging and clinically relevant state of consciousness marked by the presence of intact association cortex responses to environmental stimuli in the absence of behavioral evidence of stimulus processing. CCP is not a monotonic state but rather encapsulates a spectrum of possible association cortex responses from rudimentary to complex and to a range of possible stimuli. In constructing a roadmap for this evolving field, we emphasize that efforts to inform clinicians, philosophers, and researchers of this condition are crucial. Along with strategies to sensitize diagnostic criteria and disorders of consciousness nosology to these vital discoveries, democratizing access to the resources necessary for clinical identification of CCP is an emerging clinical and ethical imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matteo Fecchio
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 1st Ave, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th St, Charlestown, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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7
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Harris KA, Zhou Y, Jou S, Greenwald BD. Disorders of Consciousness Programs: Components, Organization, and Implementation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:65-77. [PMID: 37993194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Rehabilitation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) presents unique challenges requiring comprehensive and specialized care. This article reviews the components, organization, and implementation of an inpatient DoC program under the framework of recent evidence-based practice guidelines and minimum competency recommendations. The evidence and clinical applications of these recommendations are elaborated upon with the goal of offering providers a reference to translate guidelines into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Harris
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute/Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820, USA.
| | - Yi Zhou
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute/Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820, USA
| | - Stacey Jou
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute/Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820, USA
| | - Brian D Greenwald
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute/Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ 08820, USA
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8
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Claassen J, Kondziella D, Alkhachroum A, Diringer M, Edlow BL, Fins JJ, Gosseries O, Hannawi Y, Rohaut B, Schnakers C, Stevens RD, Thibaut A, Monti M. Cognitive Motor Dissociation: Gap Analysis and Future Directions. Neurocrit Care 2024; 40:81-98. [PMID: 37349602 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with disorders of consciousness who are behaviorally unresponsive may demonstrate volitional brain responses to motor imagery or motor commands detectable on functional magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalography. This state of cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) may have prognostic significance. METHODS The Neurocritical Care Society's Curing Coma Campaign identified an international group of experts who convened in a series of monthly online meetings between September 2021 and April 2023 to examine the science of CMD and identify key knowledge gaps and unmet needs. RESULTS The group identified major knowledge gaps in CMD research: (1) lack of information about patient experiences and caregiver accounts of CMD, (2) limited epidemiological data on CMD, (3) uncertainty about underlying mechanisms of CMD, (4) methodological variability that limits testing of CMD as a biomarker for prognostication and treatment trials, (5) educational gaps for health care personnel about the incidence and potential prognostic relevance of CMD, and (6) challenges related to identification of patients with CMD who may be able to communicate using brain-computer interfaces. CONCLUSIONS To improve the management of patients with disorders of consciousness, research efforts should address these mechanistic, epidemiological, bioengineering, and educational gaps to enable large-scale implementation of CMD assessment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Michael Diringer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joseph J Fins
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Yousef Hannawi
- Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin Rohaut
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) - Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | - Robert D Stevens
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Neurology, and Radiology, School of Medicine, Secondary Appointment in Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Martin Monti
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Golden K, Bodien YG, Giacino JT. Disorders of Consciousness: Classification and Taxonomy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:15-33. [PMID: 37993185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we discuss the taxonomy associated with the four major disorders of consciousness (DoC): coma, vegetative state or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state, and post-traumatic confusional state. We briefly review the history of each disorder and then provide operational definitions and diagnostic criteria for each one. We rely heavily on recently released practice guidelines and, where appropriate, identify knowledge gaps and discuss future directions to advance DoC research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Golden
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 300 1st Avenue, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA; Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph T Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 300 1st Avenue, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA; Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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10
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Tangonan R, Lazaridis C. Evaluation and Management of Disorders of Consciousness in the Acute Care Setting. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:79-92. [PMID: 37993195 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Acute disorders of consciousness (DOC) are impairments in arousal and awareness that occur within 28 days of an initial injury and can result from a variety of insults. These states range from coma, unresponsive wakefulness, covert consciousness, minimal consciousness, to confusional state. It is important to perform thorough, serial examinations with particular emphasis on the level of consciousness, brainstem reflexes, and motor responses. Evaluation of acute DOC includes laboratory tests, imaging, and electrophysiology testing. Prognostication in the acute phase of DOC must be done cautiously, using open, frequent communication with families, and by acknowledging significant multidimensional uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Tangonan
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Christos Lazaridis
- Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
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11
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Young MJ. Disorders of Consciousness Rehabilitation: Ethical Dimensions and Epistemic Dilemmas. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:209-221. [PMID: 37993190 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Patients with disorders of consciousness who survive to discharge following severe acute brain injury may face profoundly complex medical, ethical, and psychosocial challenges during their courses of recovery and rehabilitation. Although issues encountered in caring for such patients during acute hospitalization have received substantial attention, ethical challenges that may arise in subacute and chronic phases have been underexplored. Shedding light on these issues, this article explores the landscape of normative issues in the course of treating and facilitating access to care for persons with disorders of consciousness during rehabilitation and examines potential implications for patients, clinicians, family members, and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, 101 Merrimac Street, Suite 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Covert consciousness is a state of residual awareness following severe brain injury or neurological disorder that evades routine bedside behavioral detection. Patients with covert consciousness have preserved awareness but are incapable of self-expression through ordinary means of behavior or communication. Growing recognition of the limitations of bedside neurobehavioral examination in reliably detecting consciousness, along with advances in neurotechnologies capable of detecting brain states or subtle signs indicative of consciousness not discernible by routine examination, carry promise to transform approaches to classifying, diagnosing, prognosticating and treating disorders of consciousness. Here we describe and critically evaluate the evolving clinical category of covert consciousness, including approaches to its diagnosis through neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and novel behavioral tools, its prognostic relevance, and open questions pertaining to optimal clinical management of patients with covert consciousness recovering from severe brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Young
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian L. Edlow
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Yelena G. Bodien
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Farisco M, Formisano R, Gosseries O, Kato Y, Koboyashi S, Laureys S, Lejeune N, Martial C, Matar A, Morrisey AM, Schnakers C, Yakufujiang M, Yamaki T, Veeramuthu V, Zandalasini M, Zasler N, Magliacano A, Estraneo A. International survey on the implementation of the European and American guidelines on disorders of consciousness. J Neurol 2024; 271:395-407. [PMID: 37740739 PMCID: PMC10770208 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11956-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic procedures for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoCs) vary significantly across countries and clinical settings, likely due to organizational factors (e.g., research vs. non-academic hospitals), expertise and availability of resources (e.g., financial and human). Two international guidelines, one from the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and one from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in collaboration with the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), were developed to facilitate consistent practice among professionals working with this challenging patient population. While the recommendations of both guidelines agree in principle, it remains an open issue how to implement them into clinical practice in the care pathway for patients with pDoCs. We conducted an online survey to explore health professional clinical practices related to the management of patients with pDoCs, and compare said practices with selected recommendations from both the guidelines. The survey revealed that while some recommendations are being followed, others are not and/or may require more honing/specificity to enhance their clinical utility. Particular attention should be given to the implementation of a multimodal assessment of residual consciousness, to the detection and treatment of pain, and to the impact of restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemics on the involvement of patients' families/representatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Farisco
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, AV, Italy.
| | | | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Yoko Kato
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shigeki Koboyashi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation Center for Traumatic Apallics Chiba, National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims' Aid, 3-30-1 Isobe, Mihamaku, Chibashi, Chiba, 261-0012, Japan
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- CERVO Brain Research Center, University of Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Lejeune
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- CHN William Lennox, Ottignies-Louvain-La Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of NeuroScienceUCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-La Neuve, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Amal Matar
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ann-Marie Morrisey
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Maidinamu Yakufujiang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation Center for Traumatic Apallics Chiba, National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims' Aid, 3-30-1 Isobe, Mihamaku, Chibashi, Chiba, 261-0012, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Yamaki
- Division of Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation Center for Traumatic Apallics Chiba, National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims' Aid, 3-30-1 Isobe, Mihamaku, Chibashi, Chiba, 261-0012, Japan
| | | | - Matteo Zandalasini
- Unità Spinale, Neuroriabilitazione E Medicina Riabilitativa Intensiva, Dipartimento Di Medicina Riabilitativa, Azienda USL Di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Nathan Zasler
- Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, LTD, Henrico, VA, 23233, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Alfonso Magliacano
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Florence and Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Anna Estraneo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Florence and Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
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14
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Russell ME, Hammond FM, Murtaugh B. Prognosis and enhancement of recovery in disorders of consciousness. NeuroRehabilitation 2024; 54:43-59. [PMID: 38277313 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury encompass conditions of coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, and minimally conscious state. DoC clinical presentation pose perplexing challenges to medical professionals, researchers, and families alike. The outcome is uncertain in the first weeks to months after a brain injury, with families and medical providers often making important decisions that require certainty. Prognostication for individuals with these conditions has been the subject of intense scientific investigation that continues to strive for valid prognostic indicators and algorithms for predicting recovery of consciousness. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the current clinical landscape surrounding prognosis and optimizing recovery in DoC and the current and future research that could improve prognostic accuracy after severe brain injury. Improved understanding of these factors will aid healthcare professionals in providing optimal care, fostering hope, and advocating for ethical practices in the management of individuals with DoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Russell
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- TIRR Memorial Hermann - The Woodlands, Shenandoah, TX, USA
| | - Flora M Hammond
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brooke Murtaugh
- Department of Rehabilitation Programs, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
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15
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Zhang K, Li K, Zhang C, Li X, Han S, Lv C, Xie J, Xia X, Bie L, Guo Y. The accuracy of different mismatch negativity amplitude representations in predicting the levels of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1293798. [PMID: 38178839 PMCID: PMC10764429 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1293798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The mismatch negativity (MMN) index has been used to evaluate consciousness levels in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Indeed, MMN has been validated for the diagnosis of vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of different MMN amplitude representations in predicting levels of consciousness. Methods Task-state electroencephalography (EEG) data were obtained from 67 patients with DoC (35 VS and 32 MCS). We performed a microstate analysis of the task-state EEG and used four different representations (the peak amplitude of MMN at electrode Fz (Peak), the average amplitude within a time window -25- 25 ms entered on the latency of peak MMN component (Avg for peak ± 25 ms), the average amplitude of averaged difference wave for 100-250 ms (Avg for 100-250 ms), and the average amplitude difference between the standard stimulus ("S") and the deviant stimulus ("D") at the time corresponding to Microstate 1 (MS1) (Avg for MS1) of the MMN amplitude to predict the levels of consciousness. Results The results showed that among the four microstates clustered, MS1 showed statistical significance in terms of time proportion during the 100-250 ms period. Our results confirmed the activation patterns of MMN through functional connectivity analysis. Among the four MMN amplitude representations, the microstate-based representation showed the highest accuracy in distinguishing different levels of consciousness in patients with DoC (AUC = 0.89). Conclusion We discovered a prediction model based on microstate calculation of MMN amplitude can accurately distinguish between MCS and VS states. And the functional connection of the MS1 is consistent with the activation mode of MMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kexin Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Jilin Province People’s Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Siping Central People’s Hospital, Siping, China
| | - Shuai Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chuanxiang Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Seventh Medical Center of Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongkun Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain Computer Interface Technology, Zhengzhou, China
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16
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Lewis A, Young MJ, Rohaut B, Jox RJ, Claassen J, Creutzfeldt CJ, Illes J, Kirschen M, Trevick S, Fins JJ. Ethics Along the Continuum of Research Involving Persons with Disorders of Consciousness. Neurocrit Care 2023; 39:565-577. [PMID: 36977963 PMCID: PMC11023737 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Interest in disorders of consciousness (DoC) has grown substantially over the past decade and has illuminated the importance of improving understanding of DoC biology; care needs (use of monitoring, performance of interventions, and provision of emotional support); treatment options to promote recovery; and outcome prediction. Exploration of these topics requires awareness of numerous ethics considerations related to rights and resources. The Curing Coma Campaign Ethics Working Group used its expertise in neurocritical care, neuropalliative care, neuroethics, neuroscience, philosophy, and research to formulate an informal review of ethics considerations along the continuum of research involving persons with DoC related to the following: (1) study design; (2) comparison of risks versus benefits; (3) selection of inclusion and exclusion criteria; (4) screening, recruitment, and enrollment; (5) consent; (6) data protection; (7) disclosure of results to surrogates and/or legally authorized representatives; (8) translation of research into practice; (9) identification and management of conflicts of interest; (10) equity and resource availability; and (11) inclusion of minors with DoC in research. Awareness of these ethics considerations when planning and performing research involving persons with DoC will ensure that the participant rights are respected while maximizing the impact and meaningfulness of the research, interpretation of outcomes, and communication of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lewis
- NYU Langone Medical Center, 530 First Avenue, Skirball-7R, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Michael J Young
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Rohaut
- Inserm, CNRS, APHP - Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, DMU Neuroscience, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan Claassen
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire J Creutzfeldt
- Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Judy Illes
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Joseph J Fins
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Yale Law School, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Carlson JM, Lin DJ. Prognostication in Prolonged and Chronic Disorders of Consciousness. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:744-757. [PMID: 37758177 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOCs) longer than 28 days may continue to make significant gains and achieve functional recovery. Occasionally, this recovery trajectory may extend past 3 (for nontraumatic etiologies) and 12 months (for traumatic etiologies) into the chronic period. Prognosis is influenced by several factors including state of DOC, etiology, and demographics. There are several testing modalities that may aid prognostication under active investigation including electroencephalography, functional and anatomic magnetic resonance imaging, and event-related potentials. At this time, only one treatment (amantadine) has been routinely recommended to improve functional recovery in prolonged DOC. Given that some patients with prolonged or chronic DOC have the potential to recover both consciousness and functional status, it is important for neurologists experienced in prognostication to remain involved in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Carlson
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina Hospital, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David J Lin
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Division of Neurocritical Care and Stroke Service, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Providence, Rhode Island
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18
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Omelianchuk A. Against abandoning the dead donor rule: reply to Smith. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:715-716. [PMID: 36428099 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Smith argues that death caused by transplant surgery will not harm permanently unconscious patients, because they will not suffer a setback to their interests in the context of donation. Therefore, so the argument goes, the dead donor rule can be abandoned, because requiring a death declaration before procurement does not protect any relevant interest from being thwarted. Smith contends that a virtue of his argument is that it avoids the controversies over defining and determining death. I argue that it does not and explain why no change in policy is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Omelianchuk
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Biomedical Ethics, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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19
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Bacchi S, Tan S, Slee M. Toward a common clinical lexicon of consciousness. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1851-1853. [PMID: 37422543 PMCID: PMC10504159 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03359-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Bacchi
- Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, SA Health, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South, Adelaide, Australia.
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Sheryn Tan
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mark Slee
- Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, SA Health, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South, Adelaide, Australia
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20
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Sanz LR, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Towards modern post-coma care based on neuroscientific evidence. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100370. [PMID: 36817874 PMCID: PMC9932483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the mechanisms underlying human consciousness is pivotal to improve the prognostication and treatment of severely brain-injured patients. Consciousness remains an elusive concept and the identification of its neural correlates is an active subject of research, however recent neuroscientific advances have allowed scientists to better characterize disorders of consciousness. These breakthroughs question the historical nomenclature and our current management of post-comatose patients. Method This review examines the contribution of consciousness neurosciences to the current clinical management of severe brain injury. It investigates the major impact of consciousness disorders on healthcare systems, the scientific frameworks employed to identify their neural correlates and how evidence-based data from neuroimaging research have reshaped the landscape of post-coma care in recent years. Results Our increased ability to detect behavioral and neurophysiological signatures of consciousness has led to significant changes in taxonomy and clinical practice. We advocate for a multimodal framework for the management of severely brain-injured patients based on precision medicine and evidence-based decisions, integrating epidemiology, health economics and neuroethics. Conclusions Major progress in brain imaging and clinical assessment have opened the door to a new era of post-coma care based on standardized neuroscientific evidence. We highlight its implications in clinical applications and call for improved collaborations between researchers and clinicians to better translate findings to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro R.D. Sanz
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Joint International Research Unit on Consciousness, CERVO Brain Research Centre, CIUSS, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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21
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Young MJ, Bodien YG, Freeman HJ, Fecchio M, Edlow BL. Toward Uniform Insurer Coverage for Functional MRI Following Severe Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:351-357. [PMID: 36854104 PMCID: PMC10329974 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) now promises to improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy for patients with disorders of consciousness, and accordingly has been endorsed by professional society guidelines, including those of the American Academy of Neurology, American College of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, and the European Academy of Neurology. Despite multiple professional society endorsements of fMRI in evaluating patients with disorders of consciousness following severe brain injury, insurers have yet to issue clear guidance regarding coverage of fMRI for this indication. Lack of insurer coverage may be a rate-limiting barrier to accessing this technique, which could uncover essential diagnostic and prognostic information for patients and their families. The emerging clinical and ethical case for harmonized insurer recognition and reimbursement of fMRI for vulnerable persons following severe brain injury with disorders of consciousness is explained and critically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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22
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Lewis A. International variability in the diagnosis and management of disorders of consciousness. Presse Med 2023; 52:104162. [PMID: 36564000 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2022.104162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This manuscript explores the international variability in the diagnosis and management of disorders of consciousness (DoC). The identification, evaluation, intervention, exploration, prognostication and limitation of therapy for patients with DoC is reviewed through an international lens. The myriad factors that impact the diagnosis and management of DoC including 1) financial, 2) legal and regulatory, 3) cultural, 4) religious and 5) psychosocial considerations are discussed. As data comparing patients with DoC internationally are limited, findings from the general critical care or neurocritical care literature are described when information specific to patients with DoC is unavailable. There is a need for improvements in clinical care, education, advocacy and research related to patients with DoC worldwide. It is imperative to standardize methodology to evaluate consciousness and prognosticate outcome. Further, education is needed to 1) generate awareness of the impact of the aforementioned considerations on patients with DoC and 2) develop techniques to optimize communication about DoC with families. It is necessary to promote equity in access to expertise and resources for patients with DoC to enhance the care of patients with DoC worldwide. Improving understanding and management of patients with DoC requires harmonization of existing datasets, development of registries where none exist and establishment of international clinical trial networks that include patients in all phases along the spectrum of care. The work of international organizations like the Curing Coma Campaign can hopefully minimize international variability in the diagnosis and management of DoC and optimize care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lewis
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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23
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Edlow BL, Fecchio M, Bodien YG, Comanducci A, Rosanova M, Casarotto S, Young MJ, Li J, Dougherty DD, Koch C, Tononi G, Massimini M, Boly M. Measuring Consciousness in the Intensive Care Unit. Neurocrit Care 2023; 38:584-590. [PMID: 37029315 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Early reemergence of consciousness predicts long-term functional recovery for patients with severe brain injury. However, tools to reliably detect consciousness in the intensive care unit are lacking. Transcranial magnetic stimulation electroencephalography has the potential to detect consciousness in the intensive care unit, predict recovery, and prevent premature withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Edlow
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Matteo Fecchio
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Angela Comanducci
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Casarotto
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael J Young
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jian Li
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Darin D Dougherty
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christof Koch
- MindScope Program, Allen Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Giulio Tononi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marcello Massimini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Melanie Boly
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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24
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Fingelkurts AA, Fingelkurts AA. Patients with Disorders of Consciousness: Are They Nonconscious, Unconscious, or Subconscious? Expanding the Discussion. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050814. [PMID: 37239286 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) have given rise to ethical questions about how to recognize and respect autonomy and a sense of agency of the personhood when those capacities are themselves disordered, as they typically are in patients with DoC. At the intersection of these questions rests the distinction between consciousness and unconsciousness. Indeed, evaluations of consciousness levels and capacity for recovery have a significant impact on decisions regarding whether to discontinue or prolong life-sustaining therapy for DoC patients. However, in the unconsciousness domain, there is the confusing array of terms that are regularly used interchangeably, making it quite challenging to comprehend what unconsciousness is and how it might be empirically grounded. In this opinion paper, we will provide a brief overview of the state of the field of unconsciousness and show how a rapidly evolving electroencephalogram (EEG) neuroimaging technique may offer empirical, theoretical, and practical tools to approach unconsciousness and to improve our ability to distinguish consciousness from unconsciousness and also nonconsciousness with greater precision, particularly in cases that are borderline (as is typical in patients with DoC). Furthermore, we will provide a clear description of three distant notions of (un)consciousness (unconsciousness, nonconsciousness, and subconsciousness) and discuss how they relate to the experiential selfhood which is essential for comprehending the moral significance of what makes life worth living.
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25
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Jakobsen EW, Nersesjan V, Albrechtsen SS, Othman MH, Amiri M, Knudsen NV, Larson MD, Hassager C, Møller K, Kjaergaard J, Kondziella D. Brimonidine eye drops reveal diminished sympathetic pupillary tone in comatose patients with brain injury. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:1483-1494. [PMID: 37014450 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05569-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need for easy-to-perform bedside measures to detect residual consciousness in clinically unresponsive patients with acute brain injury. Interestingly, the sympathetic control of pupil size is thought to be lost in states of unconsciousness. We therefore hypothesized that administration of brimonidine (an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist) eye drops into one eye should produce a pharmacologic Horner's syndrome if the clinically unresponsive patient is conscious, but not if the patient is unconscious. Here, in a first step to explore this hypothesis, we investigated the potential of brimonidine eye drops to distinguish preserved sympathetic pupillary function in awake volunteers from impairment of sympathetic tone in patients in a coma. METHODS We enrolled comatose patients admitted for acute brain injury to one of the intensive care units (ICU) of a tertiary referral center, in whom EEG and/or neuroimaging for all practical purposes had ruled out residual consciousness. Exclusion criteria were deep sedation, medications with known drug interactions with brimonidine, and a history of eye disease. Age- and sex-matched healthy and awake volunteers served as controls. We measured pupils of both eyes, under scotopic conditions, at baseline and five times 5-120 min after administering brimonidine into the right eye, using automated pupillometry. Primary outcomes were miosis and anisocoria at the individual and group levels. RESULTS We included 15 comatose ICU patients (seven women, mean age 59 ± 13.8 years) and 15 controls (seven women, mean age 55 ± 16.3 years). At 30 min, miosis and anisocoria were seen in all 15 controls (mean difference between the brimonidine-treated pupil and the control pupil: - 1.31 mm, 95% CI [- 1.51; - 1.11], p < 0.001), but in none (p < 0.001) of the 15 ICU patients (mean difference: 0.09 mm, 95% CI [- 0.12;0.30], p > 0.99). This effect was unchanged after 120 min and remained robust in sensitivity analyses correcting for baseline pupil size, age, and room illuminance. CONCLUSION In this proof-of-principle study, brimonidine eye drops produced anisocoria in awake volunteers but not in comatose patients with brain injury. This suggests that automated pupillometry after administration of brimonidine can distinguish between the extremes of the spectrum of consciousness (i.e., fully conscious vs. deeply comatose). A larger study testing the "intermediate zone" of disorders of consciousness in the ICU seems warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Waldemar Jakobsen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vardan Nersesjan
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Sander Albrechtsen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marwan H Othman
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Moshgan Amiri
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Vendelbo Knudsen
- Department of Neuroanesthesiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merlin D Larson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christian Hassager
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Møller
- Department of Neuroanesthesiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Kjaergaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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26
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Marino MH, Koffer J, Nalla S. Update on Disorders of Consciousness. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-023-00384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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Folkerth RD, Crary JF, Shewmon DA. Neuropathologic findings in a young woman 4 years following declaration of brain death: case analysis and literature review. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 82:6-20. [PMID: 36519406 PMCID: PMC9764081 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain death (death by neurologic criteria) is declared in 2% of all in-hospital deaths in the United States. Published neuropathology studies of individuals maintained on cardiorespiratory support are generally decades old, and notably include only 3 cases with long intervals between brain and "somatic" death (68 days, 101 days, 20 years). Here, we share our observations in a young woman supported for nearly 4½ years following declaration of brain death after oropharyngeal surgery. While limited by tissue availability and condition, we found evidence of at least partial perfusion of the superficial cerebral and cerebellar cortices by external carotid and vertebral arteries (via meningeal and posterior pharyngeal branches), characterized by focal cellular reaction and organization. Dural venous sinuses had thrombosis and recanalization, as well as iron deposition. In nonperfused brain areas, tissue "mummification," akin to that seen in certain postmortem conditions, including macerated stillbirths and saponification (adipocere formation), was identified, and are reviewed herein. Unfortunately, correlation with years-earlier clinical and radiographic observations was not possible. Nevertheless, we feel that our careful neuropathologic inspection of this case expands the understanding of the spectrum of human brain tissue alterations possible in a very rarely seen set of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D Folkerth
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 520 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA; E-mail: ; ;
| | - John F Crary
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York, New York, USA (RDF); Departments of Pathology, Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA (JFC); and Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA (DAS)
| | - D Alan Shewmon
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York, New York, USA (RDF); Departments of Pathology, Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA (JFC); and Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA (DAS)
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28
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Edlow BL, Kinney HC. Defining the boundary between life and death: New insights from neuropathology. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 82:3-5. [PMID: 36519398 PMCID: PMC9764079 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Edlow
- Send correspondence to: Brian L. Edlow, MD, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 101 Merrimac Street—Suite 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA; E-mail:
| | - Hannah C Kinney
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Xu YE, Sahota P, Pradhan B. Revisiting Neuroethics Through the Lens of Buddhist Theory: A Call for Integration. AJOB Neurosci 2022; 13:267-269. [PMID: 36272167 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2022.2126551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingcheng Elaine Xu
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.,Cooper University Health Care, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
| | - Puneet Sahota
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.,Cooper University Health Care, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
| | - Basant Pradhan
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.,Cooper University Health Care, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
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30
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Lewis A, Claassen J, Illes J, Jox RJ, Kirschen M, Rohaut B, Trevick S, Young MJ, Fins JJ. Ethics Priorities of the Curing Coma Campaign: An Empirical Survey. Neurocrit Care 2022; 37:12-21. [PMID: 35505222 PMCID: PMC10034145 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-022-01506-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Curing Coma Campaign (CCC) is a multidisciplinary global initiative focused on evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, research, and prognostication for patients who are comatose due to any etiology. To support this mission, the CCC Ethics Working Group conducted a survey of CCC collaborators to identify the ethics priorities of the CCC and the variability in priorities based on country of practice. METHODS An electronic survey on the ethics priorities for the CCC was developed using rank-choice questions and distributed between May and July 2021 to a listserv of the 164 collaborators of the CCC. The median rank for each topic and subtopic was determined. Comparisons were made on the basis of country of practice. RESULTS The survey was completed by 93 respondents (57% response rate); 67% practiced in the United States. On the basis of respondent ranking of each topic, the prioritization of ethics topics across respondents was as follows: (1) clinical care, (2) diagnostic definitions, (3) clinical research, (4) implementation/innovation, (5) family, (6) data management, (7) public engagement/perceptions, and (8) equity. Respondents who practiced in the United States were particularly concerned about public engagement, the distinction between clinical care and research, disclosure of results from clinical research to families, the definition of "personhood," and the distinction between the self-fulfilling prophecy/nihilism and medical futility. Respondents who practiced in other countries were particularly concerned about diagnostic modalities for clinical care, investigational drugs/devices for clinical research, translation of research into practice, and the definition of "minimally conscious state." CONCLUSIONS Collaborators of the CCC considered clinical care, diagnostic definitions, and clinical research the top ethics priorities of the CCC. These priorities should be considered as the CCC explores ways to improve evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, research, and prognostication of patients with coma and associated disorders of consciousness. There is some variability in ethics priorities based on country of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lewis
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, 530 First Avenue, Skirball-7R , New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Jan Claassen
- Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judy Illes
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Benjamin Rohaut
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP - Hôpital de La Pitié Salpêtrière, DMU Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | | | - Michael J Young
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph J Fins
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Yale Law School, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Naci L, Owen AM. Uncovering consciousness and revealing the preservation of mental life in unresponsive brain-injured patients. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:299-308. [PMID: 35790202 DOI: 10.1055/a-1892-1715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorina Naci
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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32
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Young M, Peterson AH. Neuroethics across the Disorders of Consciousness Care Continuum. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:375-392. [PMID: 35738293 DOI: 10.1055/a-1883-0701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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33
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Kondziella D, Stevens RD. Classifying Disorders of Consciousness: Past, Present, and Future. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:239-248. [PMID: 35738291 DOI: 10.1055/a-1883-1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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34
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Peterson A, Young MJ, Fins JJ. Ethics and the 2018 Practice Guideline on Disorders of Consciousness: A Framework for Responsible Implementation. Neurology 2022; 98:712-718. [PMID: 35277446 PMCID: PMC9071367 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2018 practice guideline on disorders of consciousness marks an important turning point in the care of patients with severe brain injury. As clinicians and health systems implement the guideline in practice, several ethical challenges will arise in assessing the benefits, harms, feasibility, and cost of recommended interventions. We provide guidance for clinicians when interpreting these recommendations and call on professional societies to develop an ethical framework to complement the guideline as it is implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Peterson
- Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, George Mason University, Virginia.,Penn Program on Precision Medicine for the Brain, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael J Young
- Department of Neurology and Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, Harvard University, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph J Fins
- Division of Medical Ethics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York.,Solomon Center for Health Law & Policy, Yale Law School, Connecticut
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35
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Young MJ, Bodien YG, Edlow BL. Ethical Considerations in Clinical Trials for Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2022; 12:211. [PMID: 35203974 PMCID: PMC8870384 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As the clinical trial landscape for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) expands, consideration of associated ethical challenges and opportunities is of ever-increasing importance. Responsible conduct of research in the vulnerable population of persons with DoC, including those with coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS), minimally conscious state (MCS), covert cortical processing (CCP), and cognitive motor dissociation (CMD), demands proactive deliberation of unique ethical issues that may arise and the adoption of robust protections to safeguard patients, surrogates, and other key stakeholders. Here we identify and critically evaluate four central categories of ethical considerations in clinical trials involving participants with DoC: (1) autonomy, respect for persons and informed consent of individuals with liminal consciousness; (2) balancing unknown benefits and risks, especially considering the epistemological gap between behavior and consciousness that complicates ordinary ascription of subjective states; (3) disclosure to surrogates and clinical teams of investigational results pertaining to consciousness; and (4) justice considerations, including equitable access to clinical trial enrollment across communities and geographies. We outline guiding principles and research opportunities for clinicians, neuroethicists, and researchers engaged in DoC clinical trials to advance ethical study design and deployment in this complex yet crucial area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Young
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (Y.G.B.); (B.L.E.)
| | - Yelena G. Bodien
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (Y.G.B.); (B.L.E.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02114, USA
| | - Brian L. Edlow
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (Y.G.B.); (B.L.E.)
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02114, USA
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Abstract
The accelerating integration of telehealth technologies in neurology practice has transformed traditional interactions between neurologists and patients, allied clinicians and society. Despite the immense promise of these technologies to improve systems of neurological care, the infusion of telehealth technologies into neurology practice introduces a host of unique ethical challenges. Proactive consideration of the ethical dimensions of teleneurology and of the impact of these innovations on the field of neurology more generally can help to ensure responsible development and deployment across stages of implementation. Toward these ends, this article explores key ethical dimensions of teleneurology practice and policy, presents a normative framework for their consideration, and calls attention to underexplored questions ripe for further study at this evolving nexus of teleneurology and neuroethics. To promote successful and ethically resilient development of teleneurology across diverse contexts, clinicians, organizational leaders, and information technology specialists should work closely with neuroethicists with the common goal of identifying and rigorously assessing the trajectories and potential limits of teleneurology systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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