By William Branigin - Washington Post
Doctors treating
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Thursday she has reached a major milestone medically with her ability to open her eyes and seemingly respond to her surroundings as she recovers from a gunshot wound to the head.
In a news conference at University Medical Center in Tucson the doctors said they were pleased that Giffords (D-Ariz.) opened her unbandaged left eye spontaneously Wednesday night in response to the presence of friends from Congress and they said they were glad that President Obama disclosed the development in his speech shortly afterward at a memorial service for the victims of Saturdays shootings at a Giffords constituent event.
G. Michael Lemole Jr. the hospitals chief neurosurgeon and Peter Rhee the head of emergency care said Giffords since then also has been able to sit on the edge of her bed and dangle her legs over the side move both of her arms and legs and open both of her eyes.
This is a major leap forward Lemole said. This is a major milestone for her and were hoping she crosses through many more.
Rhee said Giffords 40 is becoming more and more alert and more spontaneous as doctors have cut back on her sedatives.
Shes starting to become aware of her surroundings Lemole said. Thats a very important step on her next move forward.
The doctors said removal of her breathing tube would be the next major milestone because then they could see whether Giffords can talk and if so assess her verbal skills. Rhee said the breathing tube could be taken out in the next few days and that doctors are optimistic that they can avoid having to perform a tracheostomy a surgical procedure to create an opening in the neck to the trachea or windpipe.
Lemole said Giffords opened her left eye spontaneously when her friends from Congress were in the room with her immediately following a visit Wednesday night from Obama. He said that was different from previous times when she opened her eye in response to stimulation as doctors deliberately woke her up.
We have seen the eyes begin to track Lemole said. Were just starting to see those signs that reflect a level of alertness.
Rhee said Giffords has made further progress Thursday. She has vision he said. Her eye stays open for longer periods of time. ... You can tell she can see.
He said the congresswoman was keeping her eyes open Thursday morning for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
It means that shes making the progress that we could hope for her Lemole said.
