Severe Head Injury-Craniotomy-Coma

Hi, I have a question and any information would be appreciated.  My 38 yr. old (in excellent health) sister has been in a severe car accident.  She has suffered trauma to her head.  She hit an electoral pole while driving and cracked the thickest part of her skull.  She has contusions all over her brain from what I have heard.  She has been in a medically induced coma for almost a month, and on a ventilator for three weeks. She developed pneumonia last week but her temp has been under 100 for the last two days. They are slowly taking her off sedation now and she has been following people around the room with her eyes - I believe only when they are speaking though, not sure. Her pupils are still very dilated.  She is not following commands or speaking but she does occasionally move her mouth. I believe she was at a 5 on the Glasgow scale  before they sedated her.   She was in the hospital for three days before they did the Craniotomy and her brain pressure was at 30 points the day before the surgery.

I am on the other side of the country and have not spoken to any doctors.  I am not getting a lot of information and have been told that the nurses are complaining and we aren't supposed to call the hospital to check on her condition anymore.

One nurse told me "Do not make any life changing decisions yet, best case scenario, severe deficiencies ."

What does this mean?  Is she in pain? Does my sister have any chance of waking up? Functioning at a "normal" level? Ever enjoying life again? Being a mother again to her 4 year old?

What does all of this mean?  

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

It is unfortunate that your sister had to be in a vehicular accident. I do hope she recovers from this.

While I respect the value of nurses in the health care process, it would be better if you asked questions regarding your sister's condition with her doctor. Her physician will be in the best position to answer any queries you might have as he/she is the one directing the management of your sister's medical condition.

Hope this helps.

[dpiz]

I am not allowed to speak with the doctor - my brother had to obtain temporary "medical custody" - not sure if that is the correct term.  Extremely dysfunctional family, alcoholic mother was threatening to sue the hospital - it's a mess.  Anyway, he is the only one allowed to speak with the doctor and yesterday when I asked him to make sure that she wasn't in pain he said "'I'll add it to the list" So I am on this board asking questions for a reason.