what is pvs

PVS stands for "persistent vegetative state". It is a chronic disorder of consciousness in which an individual with severe brain damage appears to be awake but shows no evidence of awareness of their surroundings. While cranial-nerve and spinal reflexes may be preserved, there are no true cognitive functions, or responses to visual, auditory, tactile, or noxious (i.e., painful) stimuli. PVS can be caused by severe head injury from trauma, deprivation of oxygen to the brain, or metabolic or degenerative disorders. It is a devastating diagnosis and can be difficult for all family members involved. Unlike brain death, PVS is recognized by statute law as death in only a very few legal systems.