Watch the Full video: https://youtu.be/W4jDa5fLwVw?si=OaZDgoX5SdEcNd3z
Teenagers who have had a severe head injury struggle to return to some form of normal life. This film tells the story from the high-level experts to ordinary citizens who live with this. It was a PBS primetime television special.
Debbie was in a horrible auto accident when she was 16 – hit by a drunk driver. She survived a coma but was left with a severe head injury. I got the opportunity to do a television documentary special on young survivors of head trauma/coma who were injured either drunk driving or by a drunk driver. Debbie and her mom were among the people whose stories my team filmed. Extremely touching. So difficult to comprehend, and even more difficult to figure out how to help people in this situation.
Overcoming a severe head injury, particularly after a car crash and a coma, is often a long, complex, and uncertain process. The difficulty and prognosis depend on several factors:
Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions generally have a better prognosis, but they can still result in persistent symptoms.
More severe injuries involving significant brain damage, internal bleeding, or swelling can lead to long-term disabilities and complications.
Comas lasting a few days to a week can result in a more favorable recovery, though patients may still experience cognitive, physical, and emotional issues.
Prolonged Coma: Comas lasting weeks or months are associated with more serious outcomes, including permanent cognitive impairment, physical disability, or even a persistent vegetative state.
Long-term rehabilitation may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as counseling or neuropsychological support. Patients may need to relearn basic motor skills, including walking, balance, and coordination. Memory, attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions are often affected. Intensive cognitive therapy can help but recovery can be slow and incomplete. Personality changes, mood swings, depression, or aggressive behavior can occur, which may need psychological intervention.
Debbie has done well in life given the situation she found herself in but I do not know if she ever found a husband and had children. I admire all those who work with people attempting to get their lives back after severe head injury and I admire The Coma Foundation and the other nonprofit organizations who help.