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Permanent Vegetative State

Permanent Vegetative State. The Case of Terri Schiavo. Terri Schiavo. Classic case of PVS, no atypical features HIE secondary to cardiac arrest from potassium deficiency from eating disorder EEG’s- flat (no cortical activity)

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Permanent Vegetative State

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  1. Permanent Vegetative State The Case of Terri Schiavo

  2. Terri Schiavo • Classic case of PVS, no atypical features • HIE secondary to cardiac arrest from potassium deficiency from eating disorder • EEG’s- flat (no cortical activity) • CT scans- extremely severe, widespread atrophy of cerebral hemispheres • Videoclips from Schindler family completely compatible with PVS

  3. Longest Running Court Battle • Longest evidentiary hearing in American law on neurologic condition • Four attending neurologists, three national neurologists (including independent expert appointed by court), agreed Terri is PVS • Two experts selected by Schindler family completely discredited by courts; both advocated bogus treatments for PVS patients (vasodilator therapy and hyperbaric oxygenation) • Schindler family and vitalists argue that Terri is not PVS, potential for recovery with appropriate treatment; completely false opinions

  4. Withdrawal of Artificial Nutrition and Hydration • Common practice in American medicine today (but still controversial) • Consistent with highest standards of medical practice-medically, legally, and ethically • Death from dehydration in 10-14 days (not “starvation”)- signs of terminal dehydration in last 4-6 days

  5. Terri (high school graduation)

  6. Terri and Mike Schiavo

  7. Terri (before 1990)

  8. CT Scan (normal and Terri’s)

  9. Terri in PVS

  10. Terri and Mike (1998)

  11. Mary, Robert Schindler

  12. Halls of Congress (MCS?)

  13. Unique Features of Schiavo Battle • 1-complete denial by Schindlers, with extreme, irreconcilable differences between husband and parents • 2-battle of the videotapes; massive propaganda value of videotapes • 3-use of internet to rally the troops, e.g. terrisfight.org vs. oneil169@umn.edu • 4-exploitation by religious zealots and media conservatives (sensationalizers) • 5-further exploitation by politicians • 6-separation of powers (legislative/executive vs. judiciary) • 7-federalism (states rights in right to die decisions) • 8-future attempts by vitalists to reverse medical-legal-ethical advances of last two decades on self-determination, tube feeding as a medical treatment, rights of families and the medical profession to make humane, common sense decisions in daily practice

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