Advertisement
 
(Page 2 of 2)

Doctor Says Examination Changed His Mind

THE TERRI SCHIAVO CASE | A SECOND OPINION

A neurologist contends Schiavo could be in a 'minimally conscious state.' But critics cite his conservative Christian background.

March 24, 2005|Karen Kaplan, Robert Lee Hotz and Rosie Mestel | Times Staff Writers

"I think he is clearly biased against declaring her in a persistent vegetative state," said Dr. Gene Sung, director of the neurocritical care section of USC's department of neurology, who read Cheshire's report. "He feels there is something there. That is not a scientific nor medical decision -- it really sounds like it's a personal feeling. It's hard to reconcile that with a medical decision."

Magnus, who also reviewed Cheshire's affidavit, was concerned that the neurologist based his contention that Schiavo had been misdiagnosed in part on a controversial research paper published last month in the journal Neurobiology.

The research used brain scanning in an attempt to detect mental activity in severely brain damaged patients who had been formally diagnosed as minimally conscious.

The researchers suggested these patients may retain some limited ability to think and respond to the world around them, even though they cannot follow instructions or communicate.

Some experts questioned the researchers' conclusion because it was based on two patients.

"Any neurologist should be aware of the research's limitations, unless they were politically motivated," Magnus said.

Advertisement
Los Angeles Times Articles
|
|
|