He was said to have spent 23 years imprisoned in his own body, unable to do anything except listen, in a case eerily similar to that of Martin Pistorius.
That was until Rom met Dr Steven Laureys, who diagnosed him with locked-in syndrome (LIS) in 2006.
Rom Houben was involved in a near-fatal car crash which left him comatose and in a vegetative state (MICHEL KRAKOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
For those who don’t know, this is a rare neurological condition where a person is conscious but unable to move or communicate verbally, except via eye movements.
The medic, who was a part of the University of Liege’s Coma Science Group, explained that he had made a major breakthrough after conducting numerous tests to determine Rom’s brain function.
Speaking to CBS News in November 2009, Laureys said: “When we put him in the PET scanner and the fMRI, we saw his brain was functioning normally.
“So he was not vegetative, definitely not.”
The neurologist believed that Rom’s case proved that thousands of patients who are classed as being in a vegetative state are misdiagnosed, pointing out that the ‘stamp of unconsciousness’ is hard to shake off.
Following the supposedly good news, Rom’s mother Fina Houben said that she had always believed that her son could still communicate with her, explaining that she was able to tell when he was in a ‘bad mood or when he was in pain’.
“He is not depressed, he is an optimist,” she told the BBC in 2009. “He wants to get out of life what he can.”
And so, arrangements were made to allow Rom to do just that.
While remaining in hospital in his home country, he was given a specially trained assistant who helped him with ‘facilitated communication’, which is also known as supported typing.
This technique involves the facilitator picking up on ‘micro movements’ which the patient makes, before they help guide the person’s hand to point to letters, pictures or objects on a keyboard as a form of communication.
The Belgian began ‘speaking’ with the assistance of a facilitated communicator after 23 years (STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)
Rom, a former martial arts enthusiast, apparently had a lot to say after he started working with speech therapist and facilitated communicator Linda Wouters.
He was said to have typed out a series of messages with the aid of a computer, explaining that he had screamed ‘but there was nothing to hear’ throughout the 23 years doctors thought he was in a coma. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
“I dreamed myself away,” he said. “I shall never forget the day when they discovered what was really wrong with me. It was my second birth.”
Rom was also supposedly writing a book about his experience thanks to the technology.
But after video footage of him working with Linda began to circulate, skeptics raised concerns about the facilitated communication method – and later, Dr Laureys was also forced to admit it was not effective.
Dr Steven Laureys believed Rom was a lot more conscious than medics had initially thought (JULIEN WARNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
In a bid to dispel speculation, Dr Laureys – who is an expert researcher in the field of brain function and vegetative states – conducted a series of tests on a group of coma patients, including Rom.
Participants were shown a series of objects and words while their facilitated communicators were not present, before being asked to relay what they had seen or heard when the facilitators returned to the room.
Rom failed all 15 questions of the test, according to local media outlet Der Spiegel.
“It’s easy to watch the video and say this method is not valid, but to prove that it is not true is actually very difficult,” Dr Laureys told the BBC while discussing his findings.
Rom pictured with his mother in 2009 shortly after his ‘second birth’ (JULIEN WARNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
“The story of Rom is about the diagnosis of consciousness, not communication,” Dr Laureys said.
“I hope Rom and his family will stay as an example of how hard it is to pick up the signs of consciousness.
“Even when we know that patients are conscious, we don’t know if there is pain or suffering or what they are feeling.”
The neurologist maintained that the Belgian man was still a lot more conscious than doctors had previously believed and added that he believed Rom’s work with the Linda was genuine.
Revealing his findings to researchers in London, according to NPR, Dr Laureys said: “We presented three cases after traumatic brain injury. Two failed the test. And that was including Rom.”
He explained the tests had been repeated multiple times with Rom’s facilitator, but the results were always inconclusive.
Tragically, what was supposed to be a medical triumph – and a personal one for Rom – turned out to be hugely misguided.
Are you tired of dealing with skin imperfections like wrinkles, blemishes, melasma, moles, and warts? Look no further! We have a natural and effective solution for you – banana peels combined with baking soda.
Why Banana Peels and Baking Soda?
Banana Peels: These peels are not just food waste! They are actually packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can nourish and revitalize your skin.
Scrape the inner white part of the banana peel with a spoon and collect about 2 tablespoons of the material.
In a small bowl, mix the banana peel paste with the baking soda until a smooth paste forms.
Application
Thoroughly clean and dry the area of skin where you intend to apply the mixture.
Apply the paste directly to the areas affected by wrinkles, blemishes, melasma, moles, or warts.
Leave the mixture on for about 15-20 minutes.
Rinse Off
Wash off the paste with lukewarm water. Be gentle to your skin while washing to avoid any irritation.
Moisturize
After drying your skin, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Tips for Best Results
Frequency of Use: To see significant improvements, use this treatment two to three times a week. Consistent application is key!
Patch Test: Before applying the mixture broadly, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun, especially after using this treatment, as the skin may be more sensitive to UV rays.
Precautions
If you have moles or warts, it’s important to have them checked by a healthcare provider before trying any home treatments.
Baking soda can be drying and may irritate sensitive skin. If you experience any redness, itching, or discomfort, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
Hot water, sea salt, chamomile, and apple cider vinegar can be used as a home remedy to relieve cramps, arthritis, tingling, osteoarthritis, pain, and inflammation. Each ingredient has special qualities that help to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. Here’s how these ingredients operate together and how to use them efficiently.
2. Sea Salt: Contains minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which can help reduce edema and relax muscular contractions.
3. Chamomile: Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate pain and inflammation. It’s also a natural relaxant that can reduce muscle spasms and improve sleep.
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4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, ACV can help relieve joint pain and stiffness by dissolving acidic crystals in the joints and promoting mineral absorption.
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How to Prepare the Remedy
Here’s a simple recipe for making a soothing bath using these materials, which can be especially useful for soaking affected areas such as the hands, feet, or even the entire body if general pain treatment is required.
Ingredients
2 cups of Epsom salt or sea salt
1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
A handful of chamomile flowers (or 3–4 chamomile tea bags)
A tub full of hot water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bath:
Fill your bathtub with hot water that is at a suitable temperature for soaking without producing burns or discomfort.
2. Add the Ingredients:
Dissolve the Epsom salt or sea salt in the bathtub.
Allow the chamomile flowers or tea bags to soak in the bath water for about 10 minutes before entering (you can do this while the tub fills).
3. Soak:
Soak in the bath for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Allow the combination to relax your muscles and joints. Instead of soaking the entire bathtub, you can use a basin to soak only the localized areas, such as your hands or feet.
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4. Rinse Off:
After soaking, rinse with fresh water if necessary, especially if the vinegar scent is strong or your skin is sensitive to extended salt exposure.
5. Repeat:
Repeat this bath 2-3 times each week to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Precautions
Always check the temperature of the bath to avoid burns.
Individuals with sensitive skin should test their skin’s reaction to apple cider vinegar in a tiny area before fully soaking in it.
People with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before beginning any new treatment plan.
Conclusion
This cure addresses a variety of muscular and joint pain complaints by combining the natural medicinal elements of hot water, sea salt, chamomile, and apple cider vinegar. It’s a natural, cost-effective, and calming way to alleviate pain from illnesses such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Cockroaches are among the most despised household pests, and with good cause. While chemical remedies such as insecticides provide a quick remedy, they frequently pose health hazards to humans and pets, as well as significant environmental damage. If you’re tired of using chemical sprays to keep pests at bay, it’s time to look into safer, natural options.
Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are proven to repel cockroaches. Combine a few drops of your preferred oil with water and spray it in areas where cockroaches are likely to hide, such as under sinks, along baseboards, and around garbage cans.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are a simple and effective treatment. Cockroaches loathe the fragrance of bay leaves, thus they are an effective natural deterrent. Crush a few leaves and arrange them in corners, cabinets, or near entryways. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder derived from fossilized algae. When cockroaches come into touch with it, the powder destroys their exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death. Sprinkle a small layer in areas where you suspect cockroach activity, taking care not to inhale the fine particles.
Citrus peels
Cockroaches detest the aroma of citrus. Place leftover lemon, lime, or orange peels in areas prone to cockroach activity. Alternatively, clean surfaces with a citrus-infused water solution.
Baking Soda and Sugar Trap
This DIY trap is a simple and effective technique to get rid of cockroaches. Combine equal parts baking soda and sugar, and distribute small amounts in shallow containers near cockroach hotspots. The sugar attracts the cockroaches, while the baking soda interacts with their stomach acid, resulting in their death.
