Question
Good Afternoon, Approximately Two weeks ago my cousin was thrown off a fifth floor balcony.  He fractured his c3 and c4 vertebrae  and compressed the c5 vertebra.  The doctors performed a tracheostomy early this morning... We know it will be possible for him to recover from the tracheostomy and have it removed however, our concern is we do not comprehend the extent of his injury.  The neurosurgeon explained to us that he only has a 3% chance to regain mobility.  My cousin claims on occasion to to have sensation in his shoulders, fingers, and big toe.  Does this mean he will be able to recover?

Answer
Dear Melissa, the fact that your cousin says he occasionally has sensations in his shoulders, fingers and his big toe could be a good sign. But I'm sorry to say it doesn't mean he'll fully recover. I wish I could be more optimistic. But who knows what he may get back, maybe more than the doctor expects. I will pray for his full recovery because pray certainly can't hurt.

Sincerely,
         Ken