A proposed ethical framework for interventional cognitive neuroscience: A consideration of deep brain stimulation in impaired consciousness

Advances in neuromodulation techniques offer the promise of new therapeutic interventions for patients with neuropsychiatric maladies. Several complex social, ethical and policy issues will attend developments in this area. I n this paper an ethical framework for clinical research in interventional c ognitive neuroscience is advanced. Deep brain stimulation in traumatic brai n injury is considered as a paradigm case to examine ethical obligations in human subject research. These include balancing access to novel therapies versus protection of vulnerable study populations, rational evaluation of s tudy design and research strategies, informed consent, and the importance o f achieving societal consensus for this line of scientific inquiry.