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If she has no cortical brain function and only brain stem then she won't be able to swallow functionally. The brain stem is important for swallow function but without the cortex it's not really possible that she can eat.
People in rehab have tubes removed all the time, mostly because they regain their ability to safely eat but mouth. Many will keep the tube to help them supplement nutrition if they can't eat or drink enough to sustain themselves. In Terri's case, she kept the tube because she never regained the ability and that tube has really kept her alive for the last 15 years.
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