FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON March 22, 2005

Definition of Persistent Vegetative State Available from American Academy of Neurology

St. Paul, Minn. -

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has received many inquiries from the press regarding the definition of persistent vegetative state in light of the Terri Schiavo case. In 1995 the AAN published a practice parameter about the assessment and management of patients in the persistent vegetative state. This parameter includes definition and diagnosis information. It is publicly accessible at www.aan.com. The direct link opens as a .pdf file: http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/pdfs/pdf_1995_thru_1998/1995.45.1015.pdf The AAN Ethics, Law, and Humanities Committee (formerly known as Ethics and Humanities Subcommittee) published an approved position paper in 1989 about certain aspects of the care and management of patients in the persistent vegetative state. It can be directly opened as a .pdf file: http://www.aan.com/about/ethics/109556.pdf

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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