Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Neuroethics

Abstract

Essential to responsible practice and progress in neurology and neuroscience research is robust engagement with associated ethical dimensions and challenges. By virtue of the privileged relationship between personhood and the brain, and the importance of properties of the nervous system to what for most makes life worth living, conditions that impact neurological function introduce a growing host of novel ethical and philosophical issues. Rather than serving a reactionary role, it is important for neurologists to anticipate such issues and develop familiarity with ethical analysis to inform quality medical practice and to safeguard neuroscience research. The field of neuroethics is an emerging career path devoted to identifying and evaluating such issues with the aim of informing optimal clinical practice and responsible neuroscience research. This article describes the past, present and future of neuroethics, informed by an interview with one of the field’s key founders and luminaries, Dr. James Bernat, with specific focus on training and career opportunities for neurologists-in-training.

Neuroethics across the Disorders of Consciousness Care Continuum

“…Efforts to educate family members and correct potential misconceptions about the motivations for care approaches are vital, along with expanded training for clinicians on how to optimally engage families in these decisions in contexts of inevitable psychosocial duress. 193 194 195 196 197 198 Time-limited treatment trials may also play a central role in settings of uncertainty. 199…”

“…Efforts to educate family members and correct potential misconceptions about the motivations for care approaches are vital, along with expanded training for clinicians on how to optimally engage families in these decisions in contexts of inevitable psychosocial duress. [193][194][195][196][197][198] Time-limited treatment trials may also play a central role in settings of uncertainty. 199 In further efforts to inform and harmonize practice standards on decision-making, clinical guidelines also contain evidence-based recommendations for prognostication following severe brain injury and discussion with families.…”