Texas Accident Victims - News You Can Use

Fluid buildup in US Rep Gabrielle Gifford’s brain may hinder recovery

U.S. Rep Gabrielle Gifford, who made national headlines after being shot in the head at a gathering for her constituents, is facing another hurdle.  According to her doctors, a buildup of fluid in her brain may keep her in intensive care for another week.

Gifford was slated to begin rehabilitation work at TIRR Memorial Hermann’s renowned rehabilitation and research center, but that work will have to wait for the fluid to clear.  Her doctor stated that the fluid does not appear to be infected, which is a good sign.

The fluid was found in a CT scan just before Giffords’ was transported from Tucson to Houston to begin rehabilitation.  She was moved quickly because doctors believe the sooner that rehabilitation begins, the better the outlook for the victim.

Giffords’ doctors inserted a catheter in her brain to collect the fluid, and may install a permanent shunt if the fluid does not clear up quickly.  It is not unusual for traumatic brain injury victims to experience a fluid buildup after this type of serious head trauma, but it is hard to tell how long it will last.

The decision to install a permanent shunt is a serious one, as it must be left in for the rest of the patient’s life.  Doctors stated that they will wait as long as possible before making this decision, but the longer they wait the greater the chance that Giffords’ brain fluid will become infected.

Read More About Fluid buildup in US Rep Gabrielle Gifford’s brain may hinder recovery...

back to top