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To: ThurstonHowell; bjs1779
>> If we define brain death as dead, then Terri Schiavo was dead.

If you are saying Terri was brain dead, you are demonstrably wrong. Brain death is a specific medical diagnosis based on rigorous tests and conditions. It is defined as a complete cessation of brain function, including the brain stem. Therefore, a brain dead patient cannot survive without a respirator. Terri could breathe unaided and that alone will tell you she was not brain dead.

>> I didn't know that we define blind people as brain dead

Drs. Cranford and Hammesfahr, representing opposite sides of the legal dispute, both found that Terri had some vision, though of course it was very poor. These were clinical tests, which are substantially more reliable than an autopsy finding. If Dr. Thogmartin is correct that Terri was cortically blind, almost certainly the loss of her remaining vision was caused by the dehydration.

146 posted on 08/06/2006 7:14:33 PM PDT by T'wit (It is not possible to "go too far" criticizing liberals. No matter what you say, they're worse.)
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To: T'wit
These were clinical tests, which are substantially more reliable than an autopsy finding. If Dr. Thogmartin is correct that Terri was cortically blind, almost certainly the loss of her remaining vision was caused by the dehydration.

Yes even 'brain weight' Nelson said the only possible way to know if a patient is PVS is clinical, not autopsy. Thogmartin, on the other hand, seems oblivious to the effects of dehydration on the cortical cortex. It is the first to go when hydration or blood supply is generally lacking. This needs to be revisited by another examiner more competent in area of dehydration.

Remember, MANNER OF DEATH: UNKNOWN

171 posted on 08/07/2006 4:02:10 PM PDT by bjs1779
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