Man's brain rewired after 20-year coma

For the first time in history, scientists have discovered that a human brain has rewired itself to revive a man in a semi-coma for nearly 20 years.

Terry Wallis of Arkansas, 42, had severe damage to his brain after a traumatic car accident during his teenage years.

Then 19, Wallis was in his car when it plunged into a river. After falling into a brief coma, he emerged into a minimally conscious state where he couldn't move or communicate - save for a couple grunts - for the next two decades.

Now, scientists and neurologists at Cornell University and JFK Medical Centre have found new nerve connections forming where the damaged ones used to be. The nerve fibers were severed, but the cell remained in tact, triggering the re-growth.

A new type of brain imaging technology was used to take photos of the Wallis' brain. The new photos were compared those taken during the time of damage. The scientists found a significant difference, showing a strong regeneration of certain parts.

The exact type of tissue regeneration has not been identified, although scientists think this could shed some light on brain damage recovery. They suspect that Wallis was actually recovering all along.

Wallis is now able to form some complete sentences and count to 25 without being interrupted. He also has movement in his legs, although he cannot walk or feed himself yet. And he is slowly beginning to remember life before the accident: when he was married to his 17-year-old wife with his six-week-old daughter, and when Ronald Reagan was President.

The study was published in the latest Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Photography: Salud & Sociedad

Source: Discovery Channel Reports, July 5 edition