TonyK
CibbuanoPolak showing positive signs: Hickey
June 30th 2008 05:32
RICHMOND club doctor Greg Hickey says utility Graham Polak is showing some 'pretty positive signs' as he begins his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.
Polak regained consciousness at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Monday morning and was able to obey several commands.
But Dr Hickey said it would be a while before it was known whether the former Fremantle Docker would make a full recovery.
"He certainly has shown some signs of improvement over the past 24 hours," Dr Hickey said.
"His current situation is he is in the intensive care unit but it is hoped he might be moved to a ward within the next 24 hours - possibly as soon as today."
Dr Hickey said the fact that Polak had been able to open his eyes and squeeze the hands of family members when asked to do so was a positive sign.
"The fact that he has responded to questions I think is a really good sign," he said.
"It means for a start he can hear the instruction, he can understand it enough to act on it and he can make the appropriate response such as squeezing (a family member's hand)."
"That means there are a few pathways that are intact and I was encouraged to see that."
Despite regaining consciousness and being able to obey commands, Dr Hickey said Polak still wasn't cleared of permanent brain damage.
"It is uncertain whether he will make a full recovery but we are hopeful he will (but) it is going to be a bit of a long haul I think."
"But that (being able to follow instructions) is something that wasn't there 24 hours ago or even 12 hours ago and while things are improving, you've got to think optimistically that hopefully in 24 hours he has made similar progress again."
"There is obviously a long way to go for him but he is improving all the time - it's just a matter of waiting and being patient."
Polak regained consciousness at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Monday morning and was able to obey several commands.
But Dr Hickey said it would be a while before it was known whether the former Fremantle Docker would make a full recovery.
"He certainly has shown some signs of improvement over the past 24 hours," Dr Hickey said.
"His current situation is he is in the intensive care unit but it is hoped he might be moved to a ward within the next 24 hours - possibly as soon as today."
Dr Hickey said the fact that Polak had been able to open his eyes and squeeze the hands of family members when asked to do so was a positive sign.
"The fact that he has responded to questions I think is a really good sign," he said.
"It means for a start he can hear the instruction, he can understand it enough to act on it and he can make the appropriate response such as squeezing (a family member's hand)."
"That means there are a few pathways that are intact and I was encouraged to see that."
Despite regaining consciousness and being able to obey commands, Dr Hickey said Polak still wasn't cleared of permanent brain damage.
"It is uncertain whether he will make a full recovery but we are hopeful he will (but) it is going to be a bit of a long haul I think."
"But that (being able to follow instructions) is something that wasn't there 24 hours ago or even 12 hours ago and while things are improving, you've got to think optimistically that hopefully in 24 hours he has made similar progress again."
"There is obviously a long way to go for him but he is improving all the time - it's just a matter of waiting and being patient."
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