ACCIDENT
This is my story...
After the accident, my daily life changed completely. In this video, I share what it's like to live with the aftermath of a brain injury: the challenges I face, the achievements made and what drives me to keep going.
The accident
On July 5, 2015, as reigning Spanish Superbike Champion, I suffered a crash during the free practice before the race at Motorland (Alcañiz). I don't remember anything that happened, but they tell me it was a brutal accident. I had the extreme bad luck that my bike hit the tire barrier, it bounced back and hit me in the head at a combined speed of around 120 km/h.
The diagnosis was severe: a serious TBI (traumatic brain injury) with the skull fractured at its base, a mandibular fracture and multiple facial injuries. I owe my life to the quick and effective reaction of the circuit's medical team. I was taken by helicopter-ambulance to Zaragoza, to the ICU of the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital. I was in a deep coma (Glasgow level 3, the worst on the scale), I also had a severe blow to the chest and doctors were worried about the condition of my lungs.
The diagnosis was severe: a serious TBI (traumatic brain injury) with the skull fractured at its base, a mandibular fracture and multiple facial injuries. I owe my life to the quick and effective reaction of the circuit's medical team. I was taken by helicopter-ambulance to Zaragoza, to the ICU of the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital. I was in a deep coma (Glasgow level 3, the worst on the scale), I also had a severe blow to the chest and doctors were worried about the condition of my lungs.
The hospital
They assure me I was hanging between life and death, but nearly a month after the accident, I finally opened my eyes. Still in a state of minimal consciousness, I was taken by ambulance to the Guttmann Institute in Badalona, Barcelona.
Over the next year, I worked through the eight stages of cognitive recovery outlined in the “Rancho Los Amigos” protocol. The brain damage I sustained was considered permanent, impacting my physical abilities, cognition, and speech.
Over the next year, I worked through the eight stages of cognitive recovery outlined in the “Rancho Los Amigos” protocol. The brain damage I sustained was considered permanent, impacting my physical abilities, cognition, and speech.
“The brain has an amazing ability to heal, adapt and push forward.”
brain plasticity
It took me another year to overcome several unexpected obstacles. I struggled with severe sleep problems: I couldn’t sleep and, when I did thanks to medication, I suffered from apneas without realizing it. This pushed me into a deep depression with suicidal thoughts. Still, I eventually overcame this phase, inspired by true stories of resilience. And that’s when I decided to share this journey, which has taught me so much.
The complete—or at least very advanced—recovery from traumatic brain injury is possible, but only if you believe in it and commit yourself wholeheartedly. The brain fights to reconnect; some call it “brain plasticity,” others simply call it a miracle. I’ve been lucky, incredibly lucky. I see myself as a fortunate guy to still be here… and I want to win this race.
The complete—or at least very advanced—recovery from traumatic brain injury is possible, but only if you believe in it and commit yourself wholeheartedly. The brain fights to reconnect; some call it “brain plasticity,” others simply call it a miracle. I’ve been lucky, incredibly lucky. I see myself as a fortunate guy to still be here… and I want to win this race.
More Talks:
HR Director's Forum
Cultural Flexibility: The Hidden Advantage in Modern Leadership
February 2024 - Anaheim CA
TED x Stanford
The Neuroscience of Identity: How We Change Who We Are
November 2022 - Stanford, CA
