End of life and palliative care in neurology: Does autonomy matter?

Abstract

The recent supreme court of India judgment on autonomy makes it necessary for all practicing neurologists to appraise themselves of the changing legal framework for End-of-Life decision-making in India. A pathway has been prescribed for advance care planning and medical futility decision-making. This is an evolving landscape and in a diverse country may vary substantially by geography. Living wills and advance medical directives can be prepared by our patients, and we will be required to honor these instruments. Catastrophic brain injury and life-limiting neurologic illness both require us to maintain our commitment to care when cure is no longer possible.

Keywords

• Bioethics
• catastrophic brain injury
• end-of-life care
• life-limiting neurologic illnesses
• palliative medicine