Source? So, how do you account for Terri not drooling, if she couldn't swallow? I'd read (tho it would take some digging) that it was easier to put a tube in her than to feed her.
Source? So, how do you account for Terri not drooling, if she couldn't swallow? I'd read (tho it would take some digging) that it was easier to put a tube in her than to feed her.
Source is the GAL report:
"Three, independent sets of swallowing tests were performed early in Theresa’s medical treatment: 1991, 1992 and 1993. Each of these determined that Theresa was not able to swallow without risk of aspiration (and consequent infection)... The recognized gold standard test is the modified barium swallowing test, generally done in a hospital or at a facility that has radiology equipment. Theresa’s three previous tests were barium swallowing tests... The ability to orally ingest food and water – to swallow substances other than saliva, is predicated on a level of cognitive capacity. Without cognitive capacity, the intentional act of oral nutrition and hydration is likely to lead to aspiration. Eating and drinking are not unconscious processes."