Giffords has "a long, difficult road" ahead, Philly-area experts say

[jakeXT]

Giffords has "a long, difficult road" ahead, Philly-area experts say

By Stacey Burling

Inquirer Staff Writer

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords likely will survive the gunshot that sent a bullet through the left side of her brain, but she faces months of difficult rehabilitation and probably will always have mental and physical impairments, local neurosurgeons and rehabilitation specialists say.

It's impossible to predict how severe her disabilities may be. The precise path of the bullet has not been made public. But even that information would not be enough. Each brain is different, and each person has a different capacity to heal that is affected by age, genetics, and other physical problems.

"I've had patients with very severe gunshot wounds who've done well," said Thomas Watanabe, clinical director of the Drucker Brain Injury Center at MossRehab, "and I have to say there are some who did not.

"I have to remind myself that every recovery path will be somewhat different."
Don McMullin, a former Philadelphia police officer who now works as a physical therapist for ManorCare in West Deptford, is living proof that people can thrive after a shot to the brain. He was 23 when he was shot during a traffic stop. The bullet went through his right eye socket and lodged in the back of his brain.


Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20110112_Giffords_has__quot_a_long__difficult_road_quot__ahead__Philly-area_experts_say.html?page=1&c=y#ixzz1Aq5TDwWb

[Ineeda]

1. I'm very hopeful. A long, hard road lies ahead but

look at Bob Woodruff, whose comments, among other information is at the link.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/01/10/2011-01-10_congresswoman_gabrielle_giffords_alive_after_shooting_due_to_luck_and_cuttingedg.html

[LeftishBrit]

2. Wishing her the best possible outcome!