Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ condition remained the same Monday, according to the doctors treating her for the gunshot wound in the head she sustained Saturday.
During a press conference at University Medical Center (UMC) in Tucson, physcians said they are waiting to see if Giffords’ brain swells any more. Brain swelling usually peaks on the third day after an injury takes place, according to Dr. Michael Lemole, who UMC’s chief of neurosurgery.
As far as the congresswoman’s condition, Lemole told reporters, “No change is good, and we have no change. She is still following basic commands, and her CAT scans are showing no progression of swelling. Every day that goes by, we are slightly more optimistic.”
Doctors removed much of the left side of Giffords’ skull Saturday to relieve pressure as her brain swelled from the gunshot wound.
The 9-millimeter bullet allegedly shot by suspect Jared Loughner entered the back of Giffords’ skull and came out through the front, missing several important areas of the brain.
Giffords was among those hurt when Loughner, allegedly trying to assassinate her, opened fire at a Safeway in Tucson, killing six people and injuring 14 others.
While Giffords has been responding to commands, on Monday her doctors would not evaluate her mental condition.
“At this point, we can’t measure psychologic function, nor would we try,” Lemole told the press.
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