TBI from Road traffic collision

[Runner2525]

Hi,

My dad was involved in an RTC a couple of weeks ago. He woke up from his coma 2 days ago. All he has done so far is open his eyes, he is squeezing our hands, but the nursing staff keep saying this may be a reflex, and until he can do something on command, as in sticking out his tongue when asked, or move his foot when asked, then he is not responding.

I was talking to him today, and he opened his mouth, and was moving his lips, as though he was trying to speak, but nothing was coming out.

I'm trying to be positive, but he is 70 and they keep saying that it will take time due to his age. He has other injuries, but the head injury is the most significant.

[James1984]

To me this seems like a really positive sign. I remember when I was in hospital I felt extremely weak and fatigued all the time, I just wanted to sleep, and even keeping my eyes open was difficult. I could barely move my mouth, let alone my tongue, and I was eating/drinking through a tube as a result. It took me a while to get the movement in my left-side back but I remember slightly moving my finger for the first time was a very joyful occasion.

I don't know how his recovery will progress as I was only kid when I had mine and apparently children recover a lot better, but just ensure that he gets enough rest. I remember my stay in hospital was frequently noisy and had a lot of interruptions to my sleep.

When he opens his eyes eventually, perhaps it will be easier for him to make a motion for certain pictures rather than speaking directly?

I think just squeezing your hand and feeling your presence gives him a lot of comfort and eases the feeling of loneliness of being in hospital.