Doctors at press conference in Tucson say Rep. Giffords remains in critical condition but is able to follow simple commands as she’s come out of heavy sedation. They remain “cautiously optimistic” about her chances of survival.
Giffords’ medical situation remains “precarious,” doctors say. It is a life-threatening injury. That being said, doctors emphasized that her injuries are on the less severe end of the spectrum of penetrating brain injuries.
In cases like this, the small victories are often blown out of proportion. It sounds like Giffords has a long and difficult recovery ahead lasting months if not years. But that she starts down that road to recovery with several factors in her favor: where the bullet penetrated, what it hit and didn’t hit, a high level of brain function after surgery, and quick medical intervention.
