Traumatic Brain Injury

[mkakuk]

Does anyone here know of someone who had severe damage to the left temporal lobe, but has recovered and is able to speak and/or comprehend? My 17 year old nephew just suffered a TBI and the doctors seem very bleak. He had a subdural hematoma and skull fracture. He was in a coma for 5 days with a GCS of 7. He is now a 10. He had the respirator removed today. He responds only sometimes with a squeeze of the hand but I'm not sure if it's a reflex or if he is truly responding. It's been 12 days since his injury. I know the the recovery will be long, but I want to know if someone had damage to the same area and what their recovery was like.

Thank you for your time and any info. you can give.
Melissa

[Zhang-Smith]

Hello Melissa
First of all I am sorry to hear about your nephew I think was the relationship. Anyway, I was brutially attacked on September 28, 2005, and as a result I have Acute Traumatic Brain Injury. I had the same thing as your nephew and it takes time trust me and alot of patience on his part as well as everyone around him. He will be ok as long as he works at getting better at his own pace. I still have no sense of taste or smell, migraines weekly, memory is still an issue but I am alive. If you ever want to talk further you can go to tbichat.org.

[Wondering47]

Hello Melissa!

I also am sorry to hear about your nephew and wish him all the best. I'm not affiliated with the medical community but have gotten on here due to my sister-in-law having a head injury before Christmas while at a ski lodge. (Looking for answers to help her more.) Anyway, while she was in ICU a young teen with a left frontal lobe injury was brought in from a snowmobile accident. The whole nursing staff became somber/serious in mood and action. One of the nurses was kind enough to explain that they worried more about kids. She explained that each vein has an area of the body that it takes care of. As you get older and there is an injury or blockage say 20%, then your body makes another vein. This ensures that area of the body continues to get the blood it needs. But youth don't have those miles of veins yet to switch over to in case of injury. The medical staff of course is concerned with the severity of the injury probably more so because of his age. Yes, how his body will react/repair/heal. I honestly don't know but feel this is true. Although the doctor was bleak and serious, please don't give up hope for his well being. Best Wishes.

[mkakuk]

Thank you both for your replies. My nephew is doing so incredibly well. He has amazed everyone, even his doctors. He can walk on his own, although he's a little off balance. They attribute that to his double vision he seems to have. He can talk to some degree. He can certainly understand what you're saying if you keep it simple. He remembers things that happened in the past as well. Short term memory seems to be a bit of a problem, but he is just taking leaps and bounds in his recovery. He has a LONG way to go, but we remain hopeful and believers that miracles do happen. The ICU referred to him as the miracle boy. He is now in rehab and works really hard. He wants to get better so that he can return to school and home. He can carry a little conversation. Mainly things like how are you, what are you doing, where have you been, why is he here, etc.

Good luck to the both of you. This is such a hard thing for the sufferer and the family as you both well know.

[Zhang-Smith]

That is awesome tell him to keep up the good work and NEVER give up, I did quit everything once I signed myself out of the hospital and I regret it now 3 years later. I believe it will take me longer to gain back what I lost however, I am alive and for that very happy. My family is a huge support as well as spouse so I believe I will get better. Chin up to your nephew and pat on back way to go chum!

[Wondering47]

Melissa

I've very excited for your family. Such good news! There is alot of hard work in front of your nephew but with such a caring family, you will relieve his anxiety with your support. Best wishes for remarkable improvement to continue.