How contextual and relational aspects shape the perspective of healthcare providers on decision making for patients with disorders of consciousness: a qualitative interview study.

Disorders of consciousness (DOC) are a family of related neurological syndromes characterized by deficits of varying degrees of wakefulness (e.g., sleep-wake cycles and arousal) or awareness (e.

Observations on the ethical and social aspects of disorders of consciousness.

The care of chronically unconscious patients raises vexing medical, ethical, and social questions concerning diagnosis, prognosis, communication with family members, and decision making, including the withdrawal of life support. We provide updates on major controversies surrounding disorders of consciousness. Issues such as withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration - which had been considered "settled" by many in the medical, legal and ethical communities - have resurfaced under the pressure of social groups and religious authorities.