Congresswoman Giffords' recovery
January 13, 2011
In a brief message to the press, it has been reported that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, target of an assassination attempt that resulted in a mass shooting, leaving six dead, in Tucson, is now breathing on her own. Physicians treating her report they have been steadily reducing the amount of sedation she is receiving, allowing her to wake from a medically-induced coma.

Due to the wound Giffords suffered, a bullet entering and exiting the left side of her head, severe and/or prolonged or compounded swelling could result, from the injury or the subsequent surgery, which could result in damage to the brain or inhibition of vital brain functions. Her ability to breathe on her own is a sign of the possibility of substantial recovery.

It is too soon to know whether Rep. Giffords will suffer long-term brain damage, but there is word today that doctors believe she will survive and that her condition will continue to steadily improve, as she is more able to respond spontaneously to her environment.

UPDATE, 10:12 pm EST: In his address tonight to a memorial service for the victims of the Tucson shooting, Pres. Obama revealed, with the permission of Rep. Giffords' husband, that the Congresswoman today opened her eyes, while being visited by three Congressional colleagues: Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, all of them friends.

The three women have since described the moment as "like witnessing a miracle". Gillibrand told CNN's Anderson Cooper that Rep. Giffords was responding to their words by squeezing their hands, when her husband noticed she was struggling to open her eyes. He then urged his wife repeatedly to open her eyes, which she did.

The fact that Giffords was able to respond to commands, that she was seen to be "focussing" her view and express awareness of who was there and of her gratitude, that she was able to raise her hand and give a thumbs up when asked if she could see clearly and reportedly stroked her husband's wedding ring, are all considered signs her cognitive abilities should be intact.

Doctors and observers predict a long struggle for recovery, but the Congresswoman's condition is reportedly spurring optimism among those treating her.

Posted by Clay Kohut at 12:00 AM