REMARKABLE CASE

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 May 1946, Page 7

REMARKABLE CASE

WOMAN UNCONSCIOUS SINCE NOVEMBER BIRTH OF DAUGHTER (Rec. 2.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 29. Mrs. Rhoda Wenger, of San Francisco, who has been unconscious since a car smash on November 31, 1945, gave birth to a normal, healthy daughter at Allenton (Pennsylvania) hospital. She is still unconscious. Her corporal husband is still in a Washington hospital as a result of the same accident. ■ Dr. Schwartz said Mrs. Wenger was not in a coma, but that only vital organs, which were independent of the brain, appeared to function and maintain life. Her condition was caused by severe brain haemorrhages, which completely paralysed her limbs and facial and throat muscles; consequently she cannot move, talk, eat or smile. The doctor observed, however, that she is apparently semi-conscious because her eyes move and tears sometimes overflow, indicating occasional recognition of visitors. It is impossible to determine whether she knew of the birth of her child. She is fed through a stomach tube. Delivery of the child was normal, after rapid labour. No anaesthetic was used.