Rep. Giffords’ medical condition remains ‘very precarious’

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The latest update following this morning's press conference. Giffords' medical condition called 'very precarious':

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was in surgery within 38 minutes of arriving at University Medical Center with a gunshot "devastating wound" to the head that required the removal of half her skull, doctors said at a news conference this morning.

Doctors said Giffords is sedated and remains in critical condition, though she is responding to simple commands. She is in a medically-induced coma and doctors called her medical condition ‘very precarious,' but said they remain cautiously optimistic about her prognosis.

Giffords was shot on the left side of the head and the bullet traveled from the back to the front, said Dr. G. Michael Lemole Jr., one of the neurosurgeons who operated on Giffords. The left side of the brain controls speech and right side strength on most people..

Giffords remained on a ventilator today. He said he eyes are swollen shut.

While doctors said Giffords was responsive they were cautious of overstating her condition, saying several times she was in critical condition.

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Dr. Peter M. Rhee said he expects to have a better idea about Giffords' prognosis in the next few days.

Rep. Giffords is the only victim still in critical condition. The other victims have been downgraded to serious condition today.