A lot of what we know about the brain is still wrong. We’re discovering more every day about the inner workings of mind and consciousness, but that’s of little consolation to someone like Rom Houben. After being seriously injured in a car accident twenty-three years ago, Houben’s doctors misdiagnosed him as being in a coma even though he continued to be completely self-aware. The misdiagnosis came to light only after a neurologist conducted a comprehensive reassessment that revealed his brain ccontinued to function normally.
I can’t even imagine the frustration and despair that this man must have felt as the years marched on. I can’t imagine all the times he must have been in discomfort or pain and unable to communicate the fact to anyone. I’d be very interested to know what coping mechanisms he developed to deal with such long-term isolation. Once neural implants are perfected, Houben should be first in line to receive one.
omg that sounds like hell
Mark, once again you appear to be ahead of the regular press. The situation described is Kafkaesque. The report I heard indicates Houben plans to write a book. Should be very interesting. Really, twenty-three years as the proverbial fly on the wall.