Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) in critical condition, 6 others killed in Arizona

[Frodo]

The child who died was 9 years old.

Giffords's wound was a through-and-through on "one side of the brain".  If the previous report that she was capable of speaking is true, it's quite likely that means the wound was in her right hemisphere.

Shot "one time in the head through and through" does not necessarily mean the bullet hit her brain.  The head contains more than the brain.  

The good news is that doctors are optimistic about the Congresswoman's recovery.  The bad news is that others still died.

Would they've brought neurologists in and had them operate if it was just a shot to the jaw?

EDIT: Hmm, check this out.  Right temporal and frontal lobes, if anywhere... not bad, all things considered.

I was afraid that even if she 'survived' a shot to her head, she would be practically brain-dead and remain indefinitely on life-support.

Is it safe to say she is out of the woods on that count at least?  

 

[Frodo]

Threads like these are a perfect example of the kind of politics we should all be moving away from. 

[Frodo]

The rate at which she is recovering is surprisingly swift, which is encouraging.  How long do they think Gabrielle Giffords will undergo rehabilitation until she's well enough to resume her duties as congresswoman?