​Zoliswa Nzeku and Koketso Maraba
Nkape Ntime's life was turned upside down after a head injury which served as a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can happen drastically impacting one's life.
It was on Christmas Day on 25 December 2024 when Ntime was enjoying a normal day, surrounded by friends and laughter. What was meant to be a joyful occasion took a sudden turn when a fight broke out. Before he knew it, he was caught in the middle, and the next thing he remembers is collapsing to the ground. After that, everything was blur. 
Ntime was rushed to the hospital and put into a coma for five long days. The doctors worked tirelessly to stabilise him, but when he finally woke up, he found himself in the ICU at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. He was disoriented and confused and could not tell if he was alive or dead. His mind was foggy, and he feared he might never be the same again. 
After five days in the ICU, Ntime was transferred to Tambo Memorial Hospital for further care. Where one of his biggest challenges was his inability to speak. He wanted to explain what had happened but couldn't find the words, leaving him frustrated and unsure if he would ever be "normal" again. 
Speech and Language Therapy was introduced to help him regain his voice. Therapists focused on language understanding and following instructions, using tools like whiteboards and mobile apps to help him communicate. "These devices help patients express their needs and start healing," said Daniella Meyerowirtz, a Speech and Language Pathologist at Tambo Memorial Hospital. 
With time, Ntime regained his ability to speak. "My recovery is steady thanks to Speech Therapy. Being able to communicate again is such a relief," he shared. After five more days, Ntime was discharged from Tambo Memorial Hospital, feeling hopeful and focused on his continued recovery. 
It is important to note that head injuries can occur unexpectedly in many situations. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause, with the sudden impact of a crash often resulting in serious head trauma.
Falls, whether from a height or tripping, are also common, especially for older adults and children. Physical assaults involving blows to the head, as well as sports accidents, such as tackles in football or high-speed collisions in soccer, further contribute to the risk of head injuries. 
While many people with head injuries may seem minor initially, their long-term effects can be more significant than we realize. According to John Ouma, Head of the Neurology Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, around 15% of those with mild head injuries face ongoing issues like chronic headaches, memory problems, emotional changes, and even depression. These symptoms can persist for years, even when imaging scans show no clear damage. 
It is essential to watch for "red flags" that may indicate a more serious injury. Worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, or difficulty speaking, seeing, or hearing could signal severe conditions such as brain bleeds, blood clots, or swelling. Other concerning signs include confusion, loss of coordination, numbness or weakness in the limbs, and persistent dizziness. These symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and ensure proper care. 
Additionally, bleeding from the ears or nose or the sensation of salty fluid running down the throat should be taken seriously and reported immediately. This could indicate a skull base fracture, which may cause the loss of cerebrospinal fluid, the protective fluid around the brain. If left untreated, this condition can lead to complications such as meningitis, which can be fatal.