Obituary: Fred Plum

Abstract

Leading neurologist who analysed coma and described persistent vegetative state and locked-in syndrome. In 1966, Posner and Plum published their findings in a landmark book, The Diagnosis of Stupor and Coma that has run through four editions, the most recent in 2007. In 1975, Plum was the expert witness in the high-profile court case of Karen Ann Quinlan, who had been in a persistent vegetative state after mixing alcohol with tranquillisers.