The neurologist and the dying patient

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Abstract
One of the dominant themes of late 20th century medical ethics and medical jurisprudence is that patients have the ethical and legal right to refuse lifesustaining therapy even if they will die as a result of that treatment refusal. This right is grounded in ethical concepts of respect for personal autonomy and in legal concepts of self-determination. Respect for autonomy and selfdetermination form the foundation for the doctrine of informed consent. Except in emergencies, neurologists should not order tests or prescribe therapies without first obtaining patients' free and informed consent. Patients retain the ultimate right to consent to or to refuse the neurologist's suggested tests or therapies. [6]