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Persistent vegetative state, also known as PVS, is a medical term for a patient with a particular type of brain damage. Most PVS patients suffered some sort of brain damage, went through a coma and come to what's called a state of wakefulness, which is not to say consciousness. PVS wakefulness is characterized by a defined lack of awareness. The term was coined in 1972 by Scottish neurosurgeon Bryan Jennett and American neurologist Fred Plum to describe patients who are unconscious, unaware and unresponsive to external stimuli. Patients possibly have as little brain activity as during a coma, yet are able to keep their eyes open. Once in this state, which can last for years with no recovery, a patient is kept alive entirely by artificial life support.
A living will is a document which outlines very specific medical instructions concerning your use of artificial life support. When an individual is in a coma or a vegetative state, he or she is no longer able to communicate desires for medical care. A Wyoming living will lets you decide now, as a competent adult, what you would like to happen if you find yourself in that situation.
A LegalZoom living will includes provisions to designate a health care agent; granting another person power of attorney. Check out LegalZoom's free, online legal library for more information about health care agents, also called a health care proxy.
LegalZoom can help you take control of your vital health care decisions quickly and easily. Simply fill out our free, online questionnaire and get your own, customized Wyoming living will in three easy steps.
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