Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is likely to have communication and movement problems, which may linger even after she recovers from the gunshot wound she sustained to the head, one doctor says.
According to Dr. Michael DeGeorgia, professor of neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and director for the Center of Neurocritical Care at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, many outcomes are possible, but "it's hard to escape this kind of injury with no deficit at all."
DeGeorgia, who has not treated Giffords, said the congresswoman likely has a long road ahead of her. He said it's hard to tell what her recovery will involve, but she will likely need both physical and speech rehabilitation.
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The bullet, which entered the back left side of Giffords' head and exited the front, stayed on the left side of the brain and didn't affect the middle portion where such wounds are often fatal.
The left side of the brain controls speech and the movement and sensation of the body's right side.
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"Now, the doctors will be watching for seizures, watching for other complications such as blood clots, and keeping a close eye on her temperature as fever can make things worse," DeGeorgia said. Giffords is being kept in a medically induced coma. Doctors periodically run tests and report that she is doing well. It is not known whether she can speak because she is on a breathing tube.
DeGeorgia said doctors will continue on this path until the beginning of next week when they will talk about removing Giffords' breathing tube. "That will be the next big hurdle she has to face," adds DeGeorgia.
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http://www.aolhealth.com/2011/01/10/gabrielle-giffords-recovery/
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