What does the course of care entail for a patient with severe traumatic brain injury, from admission to the intensive care unit through ongoing treatment until they are able to walk independently?
Based on a patient’s case, yasen from Bulgaria has illustrated the entire process:

01. In the intensive care unit

02. In a vegetative state

03. In a minimally conscious state, transferred to the general ward.

04. Remove the gastric tube and resume oral intake.

05. You can use your phone to communicate with others.

06. Removal of the tracheostomy tube

07. Can stand with assistance

08. Able to walk independently

This process occurred in patient Mr. Cao, who was involved in a traffic accident in late August last year, sustaining severe traumatic brain injury, multiple rib fractures, a left tibiofibular fracture, and vertebral fractures, and falling into an immediate coma.

Twenty days after surgery, Mr. Cao was transferred to Nanjing Zijin Hospital. Upon admission, he had a PVS score of 4 and was in a vegetative state. Following three days of comprehensive arousal therapy, he exhibited minimal consciousness; one month later, his mental status improved markedly. With continued treatment and rehabilitation, he eventually regained the ability to walk independently.

The artist behind this series of illustrations is Yasen from Bulgaria. Recently, he came to Nanjing’s Zijin Hospital to care for his ailing father and, after learning about Mr. Cao’s journey to recovery, captured the entire process through his brush.

“Perseverance” is indispensable on the road to recovery, and we hope that yasen’s unwavering determination will help his father overcome his illness as soon as possible.