We are hearing a lot about “locked-in” syndrome in the news at the moment and due to a pivitol legal case I imagine that we will be hearing a lot more about it. So we at Mediterranean Quality Care Services thought it would be important to give an overview about the illness itself and the family bringing the issue of “The right to die” to the forefront.
Firstly, what is locked-in syndrome? Well, this condition means that all the body’s voluntary muscles become paralysed, but the brain still functions leaving patients awake and mentally aware. Total locked-in syndrome means the eyes are also paralysed. Mr Nicklinson, who´s case is in the news, is fully mentally aware but can only move his eyes and eyelids. He cannot talk, feed or clean himself and he needs assistance with going to the toilet.
What caused this syndrome? In 2005 Mr Nicklinson was on a business trip in Athens when he suffered a massive stroke, which destroyed most of his brain stem and resulted in him suffering locked-in syndrome. Dr Stelios Doris, was the neurologist who saved Mr Nicklinson’s life after he suffered the stroke and he has become a supporter of Mr Nicklinson’s campaign to be allowed to end his life. Before being struck with the syndrome Mr Nicklinson was a rugby player and generally an active person, he has described his life since 2005 as “like being buried alive”.
The court case: Earlier this year an independent commission looking at assisted deaths recommended that certain people should be allowed to get help to end their life. But this conclusion only included the terminally ill who are able to take the final action to bring about their death. This does not apply to Mr Nicklinson who is not suffering a terminal illness and is physically unable to take the actions to end his life.
The hearing at the High Court represents a fundamental challenge to the law on murder. It amounts to an appeal to allow euthanasia – the deliberate killing of a person on their request – which is strictly prohibited. It goes further than the case of Diane Pretty, who had motor neurone disease. The House of Lords rejected her appeal in 2001 to allow her husband to assist her suicide. The case raises huge ethical and social issues which will spark major debate in the weeks ahead. Win or lose, Mr Nicklinson can be assured that the issue of whether there is a right to die will be discussed in great detail by judges, politicians, the media and the public.
Disclaimer
All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.
Some information in this article was taken from www.bbc.co.uk and www.msn.co.uk as part of research into the issue.