Sat Aug 16, 2008 --11 AM

Overall, as we near the end of this week since this crash, Liesl's condition is essentially unchanged. Neurologically, she is the same today as she was when she arrived at the hospital.

When Leigh entered this morning, the ICP (which needs to be below 20) had spiked to 36. He called the nurse in, who indicated that it was ok because it would drop back into the teens, which it did.

Dr. Chittiboina came in and spoke to Leigh this morning. Here is what they talked about:

(1) Her left eye is still reactive (3 - 5 - maybe one of you nurses can tell us what that means exactly); but her right eye is still dilated (7-10). The right eye may have nerve damage or perhaps pressure on it. Not sure.

(2) There is a CPP number which should be above 60. It has to do with the flow of sucrose and blood in the brain. Liesl's CPP has been in the mid-60s and up to 70. So that seems good.

(3) Her temperature is about 99.5, still a slight fever. They got the results of a lung culture, and perhaps that is the cause of the temperature. Again, not sure. But she is on antibiotics.

(4) The basic stats (other than that pesky temperature) are all good - stuff like blood pressure, heart rate, etc.

(5) A drug called propofol is being used to lightly sedate her. If an uninjured person were on this drug at this dose, they would likely remain awake. (No need for such heavey sedation since she is no longer in need of the cooling blankets.)

(5) For clarification - the only structural damage appears to be at the brain stem (not the cortex), where there are two contusions. There appears to be no structural damage to Liesl's brain. But the function of the brain is an unknown. The best tool we have for monitoring her is the EEG, which shows no signs of seizures or other problems.

Several people have asked about the results of the most recent CAT Scan. I did not get any information so I assume there is nothing to report, but I will check with Leigh.