Consenting to the ineffable: the problem of neuromodulation and altered consciousness.
Both the therapeutic effects and the complications associated with neuromodulation of the brain can result in experiences that are neither reliably predictable nor easily describable. For this reason, protocols for informed consent must be carefully tailored to the procedure, the indication, and the patient, and satisfy very strict, often subjective patient standards of disclosure. These three elements can be combined to categorize procedures for neuromodulation (and as well as others) and optimize the protection of the patient.
Dagi
T Forcht
TF
School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. TDagi@hlmvp.com
D003243:Consciousness; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000628:therapy; D014342:Truth Disclosure / Q000941:ethics