Yes, I know. I was just interested in what msuMD thought was wrong with the statements about PET scanning in the affidavit. I didn't see anyting wrong.
I'm a neurologist and have seen thousands of CT scans and I have to say I've also seen lots of elderly people walking and talking who have that amount of brain volume. But that's a little misleading. In Terri's scan, the occipital lobes and parts of the parietal lobes are totally destroyed with no recognizable structure. I can't say I've ever seen anyone walking around like that.
In her case, any structural imaging is irrelevant. If you don't see cortex, that doesn't mean it's not there. If you do, that doesn't mean it's functioning. The recent affidavit is the strongest argument that she is in a minimally conscious state rather than a PVS.
Nice post Doc, the truth is all we're asking.
PET and MRI can measure functionality. If she lights up the cortex with external stimulus, somethings going on in there, no?
BTW, if insulin were injected directly into the frontal lobes, what would be the result if the patient didn't die?
We agree.
Did you see the entire ct scan or just the one pic posted.
And, can you do a PET with the stimulator in the brain. Some say it is a shunt, others that stimulator they put in. Whatever, can you do the PET with that in?
It sure made a world of difference to the [legally blind] judge. NOT.
A neurologist with heart!!!! How wonderful!! Thank you for your input!
a nurse
Thanks for all your help.