Phases in the decision to request euthanasia and brain structures involved.

Abstract

Euthanasia laws do not mention as an obstacle brain diseases other than dementia that damage circuits involved in decision-making. Narrative review of the stages of the decision to request euthanasia and the brain areas involved. The amygdala, the cingulate and insular cortex, and different parts of the prefrontal lobes are activated during decisions with similarities to that of requesting euthanasia. When an injury or malfunction of any of the structures involved in making decisions is known, a specific evaluation should be made of the influence it may have on the competence of the patient to request euthanasia.