New York City brain injured teenager says nothing can stop him

A New York City teenager who suffered a cracked skull and brain injuries is proving to be a miracle patient. He was in the hospital for more than a month after a hit-and-run driver struck him down. He was hit on August 7 while he was walking on a Bronx street even though he had the walk signal in his favor.

The 18-year-old initially clung to life. However, in the past month his progress has been nothing short of amazing. His skull was cracked from the impact of the car accident, and he had to undergo an emergency hinged craniectomy to allow his brain to swell. Doctors believe this immediate emergency procedure saved his life.

He was receiving medical treatment for the severe brain injury until about two weeks ago when his healing rapidly progressed.

This resilient young man unfortunately missed his first week of college where he had been awarded a full academic scholarship. He also had planned to run for his college track team, but in addition to the brain injury he also suffered a torn ligament in his left knee. That injury will also need time to heal before he can resume running.

Although he continues to have trouble with memory lapses, he and his family are hopeful that there will not be permanent brain damage. However, the lasting effects of the brain injuries this young Bronx native has sustained is unknown.

With his hope and perseverance, it looks like he is determined not to let the accident hinder his life. With time, hopefully he will be able to resume life as he knew it.

Not all victims of pedestrian accidents are so lucky. Traumatic brain injuries typically leave victims with life-altering conditions that cannot be easily overcome. The people responsible for accidents like this need to be held accountable. Hopefully investigators will locate the driver who caused the young man’s injuries so that justice can be served and the family can receive the compensation they need.

Source: New York Daily News, “Teen hit-and-run victim has miracle recovery from head wound thanks to fast-acting doctors,” Sarah Armaghan, Sept. 13, 2011