Rod Becker’s life was changed forever 9 months ago, when he and his wife were hit by a car while crossing a road in Davenport, Iowa, just a block away from their home.
Rod suffered a traumatic brain injury and fell into a coma as a result of the accident. He was transported to a nearby hospital by helicopter where doctors diagnosed him with a skull fracture, internal bleeding in his brain, and a blood clot. Doctors were unsure whether or not he would ever wake from the coma, or if he would ever gain full brain function again. His wife Kathy, though not as hurt, suffered numerous serious bodily injuries.
This week the Dispatch-Argus newspaper interviewed Rod and Kathy about his lengthy and stressful recovery.
In a huge relief to his family, Rod eventually recovered from his coma, and after 12 days in the hospital moved to a rehab facility. The recovery program that followed was long and grueling. For three months, he underwent physical, speech, and occupational therapy, usually for 6.5 hours a day, 4 days a week.
He also participated in a program called Learning Independence For Tomorrow (LIFT) to recover his cognitive skills. This program included several neurofeedback treatments to strengthen brain functioning, a typical treatment for those who are the victim of a traumatic brain injury.
As part of the occupational therapy, Mr. Becker also had to regain his ability to function at work. Prior to the accident Rod was a manager at Robert’s Buffet at the Rhythm City Hotel and Casino. To make sure that he was back up to speed and able to manage 35 employees in a fast-paced environment, several rehabilitation specialists accompanied Rod to his work to get a complete picture of every daily task Rod had, and looked for any needed adjustments for any of Rod’s physical or mental limitations.
Re-qualifying to drive a car was one of the last things Rod had to tackle on the road to recovery. This is often one of the biggest goals for people who suffer such debilitating injuries, since regaining the ability to drive often equates to regaining one’s independence and freedom. A rehabilitation driving specialist spent 45 minutes in a car with him, constantly talking to Rod in an effort to distract him in every way possible, to make sure that he could safely handle any diversions.
Even as Rod continues to recover, his story is just one of thousands that occur every year, as numerous people in the United States suffer traumatic brain injuries due to auto accidents. Thankfully Rod is on the path to a full recovery.
However, not all victims of such careless and catastrophic accidents are can regain their ability to cognitively and physically function, as well as the ability to work and drive. If you have questions about the topic, or would like more details on how brain injuries limit victims, visit our discussion of brain injuries.