Giffords to get speaking valve in breathing tube

Source: MSNBC

HOUSTON — Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was transferred Wednesday to a Houston rehabilitation center, where she began intensive therapy and will have a valve inserted into her breathing tube to help her speak.

Doctors at TIRR Memorial Hermann — The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research — gave few details on Giffords' treatment or whether she was able to make sounds or speak. Neurosurgeon Dr. Dong Kim did say the congresswoman was making progress at "lightning speed," and Giffords' ability to swallow safely could mean she won't need a tube feeding her much longer.

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Dr. Imoigele Aisiku, director of neurocritical care at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center Hospital, said while the congresswoman can breathe independently and swallow safely, the tube cannot be immediately removed because of the length of time it has been in place. Instead, doctors will lessen her dependence on it, a process that has already begun, until it can be safely removed, he said.

Giffords had been in intensive care since her arrival Friday from Tucson. Doctors had said she would remain there until they were able to remove a tube that had been placed in her head to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. A backup of the fluid can cause pressure and swelling within the brain


Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41266830/ns/us_news-life/

the less time spent on those things the better. Do they think she can't breathe on her own?