A detainee at Guantanamo attempted suicide in his cell by hanging himself. He was rescued and lives saving measures were effective, however, the detainee suffered irreversible damage. This memo is a detail of the detainee’s condition and a recommendation that he be released from custody and returned to his home country. This memo is written by the medical staff at Guantanamo.
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TRANSFERRED TO OTHER AGENCY
April 29. 2003
-DOD Subject: Medical Summary on Detainee"
1.
This is a_malefrom_who was in-processed on 8 Feb02 who on 16Jan03 attempted suicide by banging himseJf with a towel.' He was unresponsive and was in critical condition requiring admission to the leU and intubation-on a respirator.
2.
The pati~t recovered slowly and was successfully extubated ~dreceived a PEG tube for feedings .and a suprapubic tube for urination. During this time period he opened his eyes, but did not inte~t with his enviroMlent.
3.
Neurology evaluated patient on 18 Feb03. The patient persisted in a vegetative state with noted dystonia due to hypoxic brain injury he sustained during the haIlging. A repeat EEG showed slowing and a head CT was unremarkable. He was pJaced on several medications to control the dystonia which was a result ofthe hypoxic brain injury. The prognosis was predicted to be poor by tIle Neurologist with a likelihood of a nonnallife of5% and a I-year mortality ofapproximately 40% due to a nosocomial infection or other related complication .
.4. During the last several weeks, this patient has had multiple nosocomial infections
which is typical for ~.hospitalized patient with significant brain injury. These
infections have included pnewnonia. prostatitis, tinea, and recurrent C. difficile
colitis. . .
5.
The patient has been evaluated by a Rehabilitation specialist and is receiving physical therapy. An A!abic translator and chaplain to speak to the patient in-his own language also occurs daily.
6.
Over the past week, the patient acutely experienced a marked improvement in his neurologic status. He began speaking in both Arabic and English. interacting with others, following commands, and engaging in this medical care. The change was both sudden and refreshing. He is now progressing with PT performirlg strengthening exercises with the goal towards patient ambulation. In addition, his dystonia has improVed allowing for reduction in his medications.
7.
A neurologist win arrive today to reassess the patient's status and make further
recommendations on his medications for dystonia and for seizure prevention.
8.
I would recommend that a rehabilitation specialist return to reevaluate him given his significantly improved status ifhe remains here. I would also reconunend the purchasing ofrebah equipment. obtairung a speech therapist, and perfonning a swallow study to assess ifhe can take orals. '. .
9.
This detainee has significantly improved both physically and mentally over the past 3 months; the recent improvement in his status is exhilarating. However, it should be noted rhat his rehabilitation will be long and that he will likely suffer complications along the way. Since his suicide attempt, he has dc:vc:loped several medical issues as listed below. Such issues will likely continue and may be associated With a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. -.
Medical Diagnoses
1.
Hypoxic Brain Injury sip suicide attempt
2.
DystoniaIMyoclonus due to brain injury
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3. History ofpossible seizure activity on anticpileptics
4. History ofdepressi~n
5.
Gastritis
6.
History ofrecurrent C. difficile colilitis (3)
7.
History oftinea corporis •
8.
History ofnosocomial pneumonia (2)
9.
Prostatitis
The Medical StaffofJTF GTMO most strongly advocate [or"earliest return to his borne country.
Reviewed and approved by:
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000055862