Bioethics framework in seeking answers to family and work dilemmas of an epileptic patient: case-based analysis

• Main Authors: Teresa Sosa Sánchez, Ángela Marrero Lemus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medwave Estudios Limitada 2013-12-01
• Series: Medwave
• Subjects: bioethics; epilepsy; family medicine; ethics committee
• Online Access: http://www.medwave.cl/link.cgi/Medwave/Revisiones/Analisis/5866

Introduction Family and labor disputes in epileptic patients hinder their quality of life and may become cause of loss of seizure control. The use of the 4 Anglo-Saxon principles of bioethics and the 28 principles of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights are necessary to help manage conflicts and problems that arise in the social environment of epileptic patients. Case report We present the case of a 34-year-old female patient with a degree in Economics, married, and lives in Havana. Two years ago, she suffered head trauma and one year later, she developed late onset lesional epilepsy. The patient wishes to become pregnant again and take on a job promotion. However, these two changes present difficulties and resistances directly related to her health condition. Attending physicians decide to take the case to a bioethics committee. Discussion People with epilepsy encounter difficulties in social insertion and a compromised quality of life. Ethics committees play an important role in clarifying conflicts and dilemmas that arise in medical practice. Renowned professionals, trained in issues of medical ethics and bioethics, should integrate these committees. It is necessary that the professionals in medical ethics committees or committee chairs conduct scientific research in order to better guide healthcare professionals.