[Calpernia]

Dr. Webber submitted an affidavit disputing the diagnosis of persistent vegetative state and therapies that offer good opportunity of improvement.

Dr. William Hammesfahr claimed that vasodilation therapy and hyberbaric therapy "could help her improve."

Dr. Webber was denied the opportunity to examine Terri. Therefore he cannot speak on specifics of Terri.

Dr. Hammesfahr was asked to testify on "specifics" that would be improved.

So the parents didn't present little testimony. The courts didn't allow room for Dr. Webber's evidence and Dr. Hammesfahr was asked to predict how Terri's theray would leave her in the end.

If this isn't the response you were looking for, please be more clear on your question.

[FITZ]

I read somewhere that Christopher Reeves has actually walked a little --- using those bars --- not well or fast of course but that he made his legs move well enough for that. Brain injury is serious --- but sometimes alternate paths are found and injured neurons grow back very very slowly and good rehab can help a patient regain some of what they lost.

[secretagent]

From "Schiavo III":

Among the affidavits filed by the Schindlers, however, the most significant evidence comes from Dr. Fred Webber. Dr. Webber is an osteopathic physician practicing in Clearwater, Florida, who claims that Mrs. Schiavo is not in a persistent vegetative state and that she exhibits "purposeful reaction to her environment." He swore under oath as follows:

"Within the past year, I have treated patients with brain defects similar to Mrs. Schiavo’s. In most cases, using cardiovascular medication style of therapy, my patients have shown some improvement, although the degree of that improvement is variable. By "improvement" I mean cognitive and physical items such as speech recovery, enhanced speech clarity and complexity, release of contractures, and better awareness of the patient’s surroundings. In my opinion and judgment, based on my 26 years of practice, Mrs. Schiavo has a good opportunity to show some degree of improvement if treated with this type of therapy, although I cannot anticipate how much improvement."

The 2nd District Appeal Court remanded to the trial court to hold a medical evidentiary hearing. They made this move based on Webber's degree of specificity of predicted improvement of cognitve function.

Hammesfahr and Maxfield, the Schindlers' doctors, wouldn't back up his prediction of improved cognition. Hence, nothing near to a "preponderance of evidence" that Terri could expect improved cognition.

Please correct if I don't have the court's reasoning right.