Brain-damaged man returns from the brink after 'electrode implant'

London: A man who spent six years unable to talk, eat or walk as a result of severe brain damage has made a remarkable recovery thanks to a revolutionary implant of electrodes deep in his brain.

The 38-year-old had been written off by one doctor as a vegetable, but he is now able to talk, eat normally, laugh, drink and carry out simple tasks such as brushing his teeth.

The man had been in a "minimally conscious state" after being beaten up when robbed. He was unable to speak audibly. He was also unable to chew or swallow and had to be fed through a tube. His eyes mostly remained shut.

But after two electrodes delivered pulses of electricity to arouse his brain, he can now use words and gestures, respond reliably to requests and do simple tasks.

His muscles have wasted to such a degree, however, that it is uncertain whether he will walk again.

The American patient's family requested anonymity but, speaking yesterday, his mother said: "I prayed for a miracle. The most important part is that he can say, 'Mummy and Pop, I love you'. I still cry every time I see my son, but they are tears of joy."

She remembers giving a "do not resuscitate order" to doctors because the prospect of change seemed hopeless. Then, in 2005, her son had the chance to take part in the pioneering brain stimulation trial, the culmination of a decade's work by a team at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute-Centre for Head Injuries, New Jersey; the Cleveland Clinic; and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City.