23-Year Coma Confusion

[idonotwastenames]

you dont even want the most evil, perverted person ever existed to have to go through that

[TheTvrulesthenation]

Been proven false, further tests showed no evidence of consciousness in rom. Dunno if that is a good or bad thing for the guy :/

[richogem]

0:00

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[ginamagina]

Fu cking Ads :/

[thatdoomguy666]

I feel terrible for this guy. 23 years in a bed, seems like a Twilight Zone episode. Sadly it seems half of his life was wasted, thanks to the doctors of course.

[KronicKillaz]

This should be on failblog...how do doctors misdiagnose something like that? Wtf...

[dededo2009]

stupid ads

[BJ778]

ok im not being mean, but seriously, he cant really function anymore, whats the point of living now, i seriously would not wanna live if i ended up like that, again, im not being mean

[LoserNO13]

"His specially trained assistant can feel it." Bull fucking shit. Bull shit. That bull shit is on the same level as as Wicca, Tarot cards, fortune telling and any form of alleged telepathic perception/ability. "She can feel it." LMFAO get fucked you lying cunt. I can hardly believe such a reputable news source would publish such garbage.

[Godsclaws]

there is NNOOO fucking way he is typing, i mean.. duh!!! his eyes are fucking closed!

[DangoTeff]

guarantee the guys really pissed off that his aid is typing random things for him

[sdevine166]

his eyes wernt even open and shes just typing on her own

[kjvrm]

Oh come on £10 says that shes asking the family for ALOT of money to 'feel his impulses' its just false hope.

[ItchyGuy87]

I think the people reporting on this story were in a vegetative state...I can smell the bullshit from here.

[shipsthatsink]

lol that's jokes "she can feel it" yeah total bullshit man

[gabbomedia]

This has now proven to be a cruel hoax perpetrated by the nurse. Check the wiki page for Rom Houben.

[TheSamurai237]

he moved at 0.28

[bequiagirl12345]

That's a scary thing.I know I'd go fucking crazy if I were in his position,with only my thoughts to comfort me.Imagine not being able to let anyone know how you felt,not being able to open your eyes or anything.

[MrPropain]

bullshit



[rspurepk]

dude its bullshit, they should have just left him or took him life support, or killed him or something , his lifes ruined now

[juliortega]

wha? i think the assistant it full of shit

[GraffSavedMyLife2010]

she controlled his hand.

[mouthpiec]

correct me if i am wrong but I saw the helper tapping the keyboard with his finger when Rom had his eyes closed.....

[NakedCreep]

the helper is supposedly specially trained in the area of detecting his micro/subtle movements into full blown tapping.

I doubt it works since his eyes were obviously closed.

[Kymb1]

@NakedCreep exactly....and if he cant speak and he isnt actually the one typing and his eyes are closed....how are these his words and not hers???

[NakedCreep]

@Kymb1 I'll bet my hat that the nurse is typing out, "GIVE THE NURSE ALL MY VALUABLE POSSESSIONS."

[FredJohn100]

but isnt the fact that the Belgian healthcare has advanced technology such as the latest in brain scanning technology? Really the only way the US can claim to have better healthcare is that for those who can afford it they get access to new techniques and technology

[Lagomort]

Fred...

There is nothing advanced here. The doc is a snake-oil salesman. It is all pure BS.

[whoami1177]

thats one of the saddest happiest things ive ever heard

[IntiHehlua]

I personally think it's cruel to keep someone on life support, when they will cost the family grievance and never recover from tragedy. Is that a happy life? I would pull the plug, which people can argue, but if I end up like that, i'm ready for the next step!

[shameoncanada]

Houben's eyes are closed while he is supposedly typing. Laureys is throwing his career down the toilet on this hoax.

[HigherPlanes]

I thought this was for real when I first heard about it. But after watching how fast the nurse types clicks those words, claiming "she can feel slight movements in his arm".... She's full of shit. His arms haven't functioned in 25 years and he can make precise movements, pinpointing exact letters on a touch pad? He's averaging 10 clicks a second, I timed it. Uh huh, sure.

[vythien]

@HigherPlanes

why do we waste money on this people when we can use those money to save lots of starving people and homeless children?

[vikingskippen]

@HigherPlanes yeah you're a doctor. i can tel by your evident research.

[m333mz]

@HigherPlanes fast-forward to :28, you can see him lift up his arm.

[silentdormancy]

@HigherPlanes I thought that too but what would be her incentive? That'd just be straight up wrong and she's a nurse, I don't think she really needs the money...

[HigherPlanes]

@silentdormancy The answer is staring you right in the face: THE ATTENTION- We're all starving for it.

[aymanazihan]

fake or not, that's why having a living will is important.

[jpaulo70]

I´d rather die than being misdiagnosed like that. In fact, for me this is not living at all, medicine is cruel sometimes keeping alive suffering persons who have no chance and simply want to die.

(Fuck the fucking ads in this vid by the way).

[HigherPlanes]

I agree with you 100%, man.

[paulgeoffreybrown1]

Ask him a question with the facilitator out of the room. Or simply say to him, "When the facilitator comes back in, I want you to tell us the time, regardless of the question we ask."

Give them two chances in three.

It's worth noting though, I suspect everyone involved is utterly sincere. Mom wants her child back. Facilitator believes she is truthfully helping. Doctor believes his diagnosis. They're all being totally sincere. They're wrong.

[Annie22203]

great hoax - congratulations

[ihavemonkeysinmybutt]

. i see his eyes open on 1:45 and from 30-31 i see him move his arms. I think thats proof enough to know if someones brain is still working. I don't don't know if hes really typing those words since the technology that their using is controversial, but his brain is still working at least - hes not in a coma which is obvious. and from another article it said he moved his toes in response to certain questions. so don't count it off as a hoax just yet.

[blindedby2monkeys]

if you want to see proof that what that lady is doing is bogus,then go to 'Google video' and copy and paste this in the video search

'Facilitated_Communication_Pri­soners_of_Silence.mov '

it's a PBS FRONTLINE documentary

[chronicgrass]

fucking ads

[phillydisco]

That 'facilitator' should be earning money for coming up with such a great story, because she's making everything up. Look at how fast her hand is moving. His eyes are closed, so how can he even see the letters, let alone select them.

I wonder how much money a facilitator gets paid.

[Nayaskunkblazer777]

that is very sad:(

[KiddVid]

I grew up believing everything CBS told me. What the hell was I thinking? Were their scams always this obvious?

[ventje5haar]

So he can type his own story now on this special keyboard, supported "a little bit" by the ladies hand...

At least this part of the story is totally fake.

I can clearly see her stare at the keyboard while typing, while the poor guy has his EYES CLOSED !

( Don't tell me you can type blind before you tried it, using only one finger)

[pacostacos89]

I wonder if that Doctor was upset that he died at the end of GoldenEye...

[tigerwoods1974]

years ago, PBS's Frontline did an excellent documentary which basically debunked facilitated communication. The name of the episode is "Prisoners of Silence". It's worth watching. I encourage everyone to web search "Prisoners of silence facilitated communication" and watch the video

[MrDoublehappy]

Ok i have been devils advocate long enough ..... I can neither confirm nor deny the merit of this story .....more facts ..... its going to come out with more facts .... thank you Belgium thank you Deutchland.

[MrDoublehappy]

ok i read the wired article thank you Belgian ..... but thats not conclusive either .... what i do know is of a similar case of an autistic girl in america who now uses the computer completely unaided - is 14 years old did not recieve education because they thought it beyond her and are now astounded by her means of communication yet rings very similar to this guys case of being locked up and set free ..... tho i know this does not conclude all -other examples help to dispel the notions we have.

[BelgianAtheist]

but that is completely different, if Rom is trained to use what little function he has in his foot to communicate without aid it would be wonderful, but as it is now that facilitator is scamming someone, it is very possible that she is paid by the state which I would find personally bad, it is not why I pay taxes, but in all likelihood she is scamming the parents who are so emotionally caught up that they will not be able to get rid of her.

[MrDoublehappy]

You know the wired account does not claim it is fraud .... they just suggest what i am saying more info is needed more tests .... you seem (its your choice) quick to conclude ..... time and experience has taught me to be thorough about judgments ..... we are removed from a lot of the information .... this thing was put together in a 3minute report - you need a 60 minute documentary to fully get on top of this one ... too many unanswered questions ....just my opinion ....

[BelgianAtheist]

His level of consciousness is undecided, his use of Facilitated Communication is utterly bogus. I suggested the Wired article because it is the only "mainstream" source that gives some skepticism and avenues for further investigation not as proof of fraud, I'm afraid that is a decision we will have to make on our own for now until the "facilitator" makes a grave error or says something that the family does not agree with.

[wikichris]

Agreed but these claims have been bogus before and the onus is on the claimaint to provide the proof not a skeptic to provice negative proof.

[MrDoublehappy]

Well I dare say someone is gonna get to the bottom of things cause it just cant sit out there getting battered to death by conjecture alone ...... well all i can say is I hope these journalists can prove or disprove it and be done with ..... cause its 5am here in NZ and im goin to bed goodnight cruel world : D

[BelgianAtheist]

Google "skeptic dictionary facilitated communication (FC)" there's a video in that article (way down), the part at 27min is really interesting.

The Science Based Medicine blog also has a comprehensive article on this (Google: Science Based Medicine blog "rom houben")

[hbriem]

It's obvious that poor guy has nothing todo with the typing. It's the nurse doing it. He even has his eyes closed.

[FatGermanBastard]

Oh my God !! He is obviously not typing this. His eyes are closed and he looks to the side. Even a healthy person couldn't type on this board with closed eyes. She holds his entire hand, even his finger and types for him. Seriously...do they think we are complete idiots ?? It is OBVIOUS he is not typing this.

Poor guy !

[MrDoublehappy]

yes ..... but in defense of the report , the reporter does point out that some form of strong understanding exists between them both ..... i did however make a mental note of the confidence of the assistant, at first glance it seemed hard to believe ... tho it cannot be dismissed, that, achieving a relationship of this confidence between the patient and the aide is not improbable. And I think with the evidence supporting seems very probable and most likely especially from the doctor.

[FatGermanBastard]

I don't doubt she understands him or that his cognitive abilities were underestimated in the past. I just think it is obvious that he is not himself literally typing that text...and then I wonder why she doesn't simply explain that she thinks he feels a certain way. Why make up this whole typing thing ?

[MrDoublehappy]

Lets be rational about this then shall we ? ..... the report is not as comprehensive as it could be for us to truly critique - assess ..... surely? Your dismissals seem as fleeting as the report itself. I am neither swayed by your assertions or the reports for that matter ....... truth be known ...... more information is required i would say ...... next.

[BelgianAtheist]

Are you suggestion the "facilitator" has a psychic link with Rom? That's even more ludicrous. There's a simple test, tell them to say a word or picture and show both a different picture see if it is the picture or word that was shown to the "facilitator" or to Rom.

[MrDoublehappy]

Facts - not enough facts .. if you read my last entry i am neither for the report or dismissing it .... you ask if i am suggesting psychic link and then you conclude for me ..... i can only assume therefore that i am not here and that you are talking to yourself, which would suggest you have a psychic link to yourself and by your blind means of self persuasion would make you therefore MAD .... I do not find that so LUDICROUS. I said nothing about psychic ... YOU did all that.... by yourself.

[MrDoublehappy]

So far the Germans impress me more than the Belgians, but i can say nothing bad of your chocolate .... next.

[MrDoublehappy]

This is the CBS report on the matter - the Associated Press report is a little more helpful for one to discern the matters merit. Can i suggest the Aetheist and the Fat German go and fact find a little more before shooting things out of the sky - jolly good then ..... danke.

[BelgianAtheist]

Being bombarded with this story from all forms of media for the last few days in several languages, including the one that Rom and his family speak I think I can say that I have quite a few facts.

Those facts are that Rom is conscious on some level, can move his foot for simple true/false statements and he and his family are being scammed by that "facilitator". (for you English-only people look up the Wired article: Reborn Coma Mans Words May Be Bogus)

[BelgianAtheist]

MrDouble: "some form of strong understanding exists between them" Now what could that be? Psychic perhaps? It's a question, just answer it, but nah, that would be too easy.

But it must be cool to get mad at YT comments, keep at it.

[MrDoublehappy]

Obviously English is not your first language .... "strong understanding" can mean "a mode of communications not limited to yet ranging from grunts, hand firmness and any number of gentle affirmations etc etc etc that have been established by trial and error over a long period of time by both parties...." How the merry fuck do you jump to psychic to describe strong understanding!!!! ..... ohhh yes your Belgian and an Atheist .... looking for God and a Psychic under everyone's bed. NEXT ....

[BelgianAtheist]

There you sort of clarified your statement, was it that hard? I guess so, since you can't help but lash out a little too, double happy? maybe it's just wishful.

I was just wondering out loud what kind of understanding or communication you could mean, that facilitator is going at breath neck speed and his words are very clear and lucid so it must be something very clear not at all like the communication we're having. let me put some !!!!!! too so you understand me better, maybe.

[MrDoublehappy]

i do concede its break neck speed, im not doubting that point it looks odd - in the associated press version its a little more revealing in the time and body mannerisms between the two - and yes i lash - its a great way to keep everyone on their toes - i can be an arsehole .... it breaks the monotony of niceness, and i am bored easily ..... yet i do like a good conversation with substance. You and fatso get a gold star for sticking it out with me, will definitely join your theological forums.

[FatGermanBastard]

Great idea ! Show Rom a picture. Then let him type what he saw. If he then types the right description I'll believe in it.

[FatGermanBastard]

I think the report is comprehensive enough for us to truly criticize and it is obvious that the guy is not typing. He is not even looking at the board.

[MrDoublehappy]

Just have a look at the Associated Press report - its not definitive but - you can never have too much extra supporting data.

[phillydisco]

I've seen other footage, and she's completely leading. It doesn't take a doctor or a PhD to see that she's doing the thinking, not him. And as another specialist indicated, he's writing using language that wouldn't be typical for someone in his condition.

There's a good way to test out whether he's really being led or not. Just ask him questions only he and his family would know the answer to, like stuff from his childhood. I'll bet the facilitator just keeps typing out 'I can't remember'...

[MrDoublehappy]

Good when some one does that test we can all know for sure .... Get 60minutes in there to suss it out for sure.

[alexfierro]

Listen, I wish for this man's health and have nothing against him or the family.

But this is fake. It's pure pseudo-science with little to no research backing it up. On the contrary, most research points out that the "micro-movements" that the interpreter "feels" and translates were the same thing that makes Ouija boards work. The "assistant" thinks he/she feels the hand move and she completes what she thinks he is "saying"... but really it is what he/she is thinking he WOULD say.

[MrDoublehappy]

I sometimes wonder whether psuedo psuedo science is as prevalent. Subjectivity needs a new name perhaps.

[JLredspottedDrum]

she's obviously typing it herself

[TheAmefist]

Wow this is so sad. I wish they could find a cure for being in comas.

[MrAusty]

makes a good music video for listening to some dubstep

[MrDoublehappy]

Well that ought to make people somewhat apprehensive about flicking the switch ..... of their loved ones and also make the possibility of rehab worth pursuing.

[SSJ4human]

i would want to be in that state for 23 yrs. i would be happier if they took me off of life support if i was like that

[Stigmatiz3d1]

I'd hate to be kept alive while in a (near) vegetative state, conscious or not.

[wertq1111]

what?! 40% of ppl in coma are actually conscious?! THAT'S A HUGE NUMBER! =O

[Tanimal97]

that sucks so much i hate how the doctors are so freakin stupid

[vortic5]

hard life!!!!!

[yzarc314]

Very sad that the media gobbles up this story without asking any questions.

Google the Wired article entitled "Reborn Coma Man's Words May Be Bogus"

[DualCorePower]

I am getting sick of these commerials tho

[callofduty60]

imagine being stuck in that bed for 23 years... and hear people -.- that would SUCK... also he could hear and feel... WTF... that would seriously SUCK... SUCK.. SUCK..

[DualCorePower]

That is terrible, but being dead is worse.

[QueenValentinalina]

idk, i guess i'd rather b

dead than 2 live 23

freakin yrs like that...

hell no!! i choose death

over misery. @_@

[KooLRajK]

yea, i dont think anyone would want to be in that position.

[doodyfaceball]

fascinating