Sharon's Medical Team Disputes Clean Bill of Health

Yesterday I was revolted by this story: Palestinians Fire Celebration Shots at News of Sharon in Hospital. I got a similar, but obviously much smaller, feeling when I received information about conflicting news reports of Sharon's medical condition (whether or not he lost consciousness, for example). It is understandable that optimism over his condition would translate into public wishful thinking. Those familiar with Israel's political traditions know that the public's "right to know" about its leaders is generally low.

Upon reflection, I realized that this is the key to the current election. Ariel Sharon is nearly 78, very much overweight and not likely to change. A stroke, which impairs mental functioning, is a likely effect of those two factors. Support for his new party, Kadima, is primarily based on reliance on his post-election judgement. One veteran journalist even expressed confidence that he would weather the storm over his aide's announcement of major concessions, including on Jerusalem, because everyone believes he's a liar. Essentially, according to Yaron Dekel, his is a Rorshach party: those on the right won't believe the report about Jerusalem, and those on the left won't believe the denial.

As I write these words, there is now news that his medical team disputes the information given by a lead doctor at the press conference. Specifically, contrary to the claim that "he was not confused at any point":

The medical team that treated the prime minister when he was first brought to the hospital, however, told the Maariv newspaper that Sharon had been quite confused for most of an hour.

"What was said at the press conference was, to understate, not exact," they said. "The prime minister did not know what day it was, what time is was or where he was. For 45 minutes he could not count or perform basic movements. They [the hospital officials ?ed.] are not obligated to disclose everything, but to give inaccurate information is already taking a position [on the matter of the PM's health] and is very problematic. Throughout the first night of his hospitalization the confusion continued, to a lesser extent, and Sharon has not returned to himself completely."

I heard Sharon speaking today and he did not sound like himself. This is not the first time Sharon's mental capacities have been questioned, although the matter has clearly left the level of speculation. Even those who have the greatest respect for his lifetime of public service could not have failed to be shocked by the facts of the asleep-at-the-wheel nature of his recent Rafah concessions, for example.

It's time for Netanyahu to borrow from the playbook of his rival Ehud Olmert. The popular Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek was defeated on a brilliant out-of-the-box campaign slogan that swung the votes of many of his staunchest supporters. "Teddy we love you, but it's time to retire."

Update: An anonymous neurologist (whose identity I confirmed) just wrote me:

As a neurologist, let me add some context. The report of loss of consciousness does not seem reasonable as a result of a stroke since loss of consciousness caused by strokes is seen in massive strokes and clearly he did not have a massive stroke. If indeed there was loss of consciousness it would suggest something else causing the stroke, such as a minor myocardial infarction causing both stroke and loss of consciousness. However, the most likely cause of the odd responses is aphasia, a selective problem with speech. Not enough detail was given to distinguish between expressive or receptive aphasia, but either can give trouble answering questions and complying with requests. Most doctors in general medicine are not good at dealing with these subtleties and I'd put most stock in what the neurologists say.

Depending on the causes these can recur as similar or bigger strokes, or they can be a one time phenomenon, as was the case for Ed Koch; not enough detail was released to assess this. They did describe a clot but did not say whether they visualized it, inferred it, or found a cardiac cause for it, so I can not say with confidence whether this is an actual stroke or a transient ischemic attack. Presumably he will be put on daily aspirin and counseled on dietary changes.

Update 2 (Dec. 21):
WorldNetDaily presents additional contradictions from medical experts and put his finger on what I heard that sounded wrong with Sharon's speech ("One Israeli reporter who spoke with Sharon told WND, 'The conversation sounded scripted, like he was reading from a paper.'")

Stroke Experts Skeptical of Claims Israeli PM in 'Excellent Condition'

multiple renowned stroke experts told WorldNetDaily a minimum of several weeks of rehabilitation are necessary for the vast majority of minor-stroke sufferers, an immediate return to work is not recommended, and the prime minister may be at risk for recurring strokes...."almost unheard of to send even the most minor of stroke patients back to work within days. At least a week, usually two or three are needed"...."It is important for Sharon to lay off serious stressful situations for at least a short period of time. He needs to avoid making big decisions right now. He also needs to be monitored closely for the next few weeks."

....All information released regarding Sharon's health status has been filtered through senior aides and advisers.

The prime minister's office refuses to make public Sharon's medical records or the results of radiation and imaging tests conducted this week.

Also, poll numbers show an increase in support for Kadima (91% said the stroke would not influence their vote). This is likely a sympathetic reaction. There is a deep well of support for the lifetime of Sharon's public service.

Update 3: My neurologist correspondent takes issue somewhat with the stroke experts cited above, although obviously nothing conclusive can be stated given that medical records have been withheld: