Coma Comeback—Jamal Malone

Jamal Malone’s life was touched by the Adam Williams Initiative when he was brutally attacked by four other men at an early-morning party. The 20-year old was punched in the face, and hit his head on the pavement, sustaining massive brain trauma and admitted to Saddleback Hospital in a coma. 

Most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have serious outcomes, and Jamal’s was no different.  He was transferred to Mission Hospital for further care.  To avoid long-term damage, the medical team worked quickly on Jamal, implementing the Adam Williams Initiative protocols and using the latest technology to save his brain function.

The first month of his care, Jamal was a patient in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Mission Hospital. There, he received care that focused on surgery and the protection of brain.  He had several surgeries to reduce swelling and blood clots.  His oxygen levels were constantly monitored with the Licox® Brain Tissue Oxygen Monitoring System.  This monitor allows for adjustments of pressure levels to the brain, and was instrumental in ensuring that Jamal’s brain receive the precise amounts of oxygen that his brain needed for recovery.

About six weeks later—a phenomenally short time considering the extent of the injuries—Jamal was moved to rehab to focus on his cognitive and physical abilities.

About two months later, Jamal was release from the hospital to go home with his parents, under their care.  He was able to begin connecting with family and friends through the Internet, articulating his thanks and relaying his experiences through blog postings.

Seven months later, he was living on his own, back at school and work both on a part-time, limited basis.

One year later, he turned 21.  Jamal still deals with TBI issues—primarily, he is more sensitive to stress—so he moved home to cope.  Even so, he is still working towards greater independence by continuing to work and attend classes to earn his degree, like any college student.  Says his mother, Yolanda Malone, “I get asked “How is he?” and he’s really, really great. A typical 21yr old…”