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2011-01-10 Home Front: WoT

How congresswoman Giffords survived the head wound

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Posted by Beseoker 2011-01-10 06:44|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 The truth is that brain injuries are highly variable. There was almost nothing that could be done for her brain as far as first aid goes, other than removing anything stuck in the hole.

What was done, however, holding her head up to keep the blood from her sinuses from choking her was good. But the doctors are quite truthful that they have no idea if she will survive, or have more than minimal function.

Unique among injuries, the one thing they cannot do is give her more than topical anesthetics.

Posted by Anonymoose 2011-01-10 09:11|| 2011-01-10 09:11|| Front Page Top

#2 Forgive me but there is quite a bit the docs can do, and they're doing it.

We've learned a lot about traumatic head injury over the last few decades. Trauma surgeons and neurosurgeons, both civilian and military, have learned how to handle someone shot in the head. Many do die, but we're some that you'd think wouldn't make it.

Posted by Steve White 2011-01-10 09:14|| 2011-01-10 09:14|| Front Page Top

#3 Steve: I was talking just first aid on scene, as in the article. Once she's in the hands of a trauma team and a neurologist, it's a whole new ball game.

Posted by Anonymoose 2011-01-10 09:48|| 2011-01-10 09:48|| Front Page Top

#4 You mean they didn't fly her to Cuba for the best darned medical treatment in teh world?
/sarc

Also some neat stuff in how the patient is stabilized and transported to the trauma center.

Posted by swksvolFF 2011-01-10 12:16|| 2011-01-10 12:16|| Front Page Top

#5 Sounds like she survived it because she was incredibly, incredibly lucky.
I know a couple of guys with traumatic brain injuries. One was a marathoner, the other a Marine reservist. They're functional, but they'll never be what they were. Not even close. It's very sad.
If she makes it, she has a very tough road ahead. And I truly do wish her luck.

Posted by tu3031 2011-01-10 20:14|| 2011-01-10 20:14|| Front Page Top

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