Latest news with #neurologicalcondition
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
'I was unable to walk, talk, or recognise myself after coma'
A man who awoke from a three-month coma with no memory of who he was, says helping others in the same position has given him "purpose". Jamil Hussain, 35, from Lockleaze in Bristol, suffered multiple seizures behind the wheel whilst driving down the M69 during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. He was soon diagnosed with limbic encephalitis - a rare neurological condition that causes inflammation in the brain, leading to epilepsy and severe memory Hussain now acts as a mentor at Henbury's Cygnet Brunel health centre, where he spent 18 months relearning how to walk, talk, and live independently again. "When I woke up, I didn't know who I was or how to do anything," he said. "I couldn't walk, talk or even recognise most people - only my mum. I remember seeing her and knowing who she was but not being able to speak. It was terrifying."He said it was the "scariest" moment of his life and it was his mother who helped him through, despite medics originally telling his family his chance of recovery was "slim".The sight of her familiar face triggered a faint memory of "comfort and safety", which he says "brought him back to reality". He believes that moment forever changed the trajectory of his life."Whenever I feel angry or impulsive, I just remember that moment and think 'that's how close you were to not being able to know anything about yourself, ever again'."I could have been in the hospital for the rest of my life, waiting for my brain to put the pieces back together. I was so lucky, and that keeps me level-headed," he added. In his role as an Expert by Experience, Mr Hussain draws upon his own ordeal to comfort patients and "help them see a way through" their diagnoses."I want to be that beacon of light for others who are in still in the thick of their difficult times, helping them see a way through," he work also involves coaching staff and helping patients feel reassured by someone who's walked in their shoes."I want to show people there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life can be even better than it was before. It gives me purpose," he added.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Chris Kamara shares encouraging update amid health battle as Sky Sports legend declares: 'There is no downside to being me at the moment'
Chris Kamara reveals there is 'no downside to being me' in an encouraging update on his health following recent reports. Kamara, whose charisma earned him plenty of fans during his 24 years with Sky Sports, was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition that affects your ability to speak in 2022. In recent days, prior to working an event with Burton's Fish 'N' Chips in Camden, London, the popular pundit admitted he has been struggling with his balance. However, when speaking to Mail Sport in north London, the 67-year-old claimed that 'it may look worse than it actually is', and his speech has vastly improved. 'I'm always surprised at how lovely people are towards me,' Kamara tells Mail Sport. 'It's amazing, absolutely incredible. It makes me feel humble. There is no downside to being me at the moment, everybody is so nice. 'My speech has improved. I'm an open book, when I am asked a question, I answer honestly. It may look worse than it actually is, and my balance may be worse than it's been, but my voice is better. 'There is no thought process going on that is not transferred to the mouth, it's instant now. So, there is improvement, but downsides in other things, the balance, thyroid, I have a bad back, and might need an operation. 'But there is always somebody worse of than you. Don't feel sorry for me, I am still enjoying life.' The condition forced Kamara to retract from reporting duties with Sky Sports back in 2022, and he found it hard to make appearances in the public eye. However, in 2024, he made his comeback in broadcasting to provide coverage of Nottingham Forest's win over Tottenham for Amazon Prime. Six months later, Kamara could be seen in Camden Market engaging with fans as he served biscuits to celebrate National Fish and Chips Day. This is something that the once Bradford City and Brentford star couldn't fathom doing back in 2022, but now he wants to show that the fun-loving character that took to our screens for decades is still here. 'Two or three years ago, at the height of my condition, I wouldn't have done anything at all – I didn't feel capable of doing anything. My brain was all frazzled, I was feeling sorry for myself. 'That's all gone now. I want to enjoy life and what is remaining of it. Do the things I want, enjoy time with the family, and its great. That attitude has served me well.' After working on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday for two decades, Kamara came off air in 2022 Not only is Kamara working on campaigns, but the improvement in his condition has led to a role back in television – but a different aspect of it. 'I have been offered a part in a film, a part in a sitcom as well. It's all good,' he continued, while speaking to Mail Sport in a cafe. 'I've done loads of TV stuff, Ted Lasso, tour appearances in Emmerdale. I love it. I'm not the same person now as I was then, but if they invite me, I will do it now.' When speaking to Kamara, his humility shines through. Many football fans have gone through life with the once footballer on their screens every weekend. With numerous fans coming up to him to share their memories of the charming Kamara, he finds it hard to believe how well-known he is. However, meeting one significant person back in 2022 shocked him, in particular. 'I was so honoured when I got my MBE from Prince William when he said "I have grown up with you" you don't think things like that. 'One of the Royal Family, that is the next King in waiting, has grown up watching you. It's humbling.' While engaging with the general public on Friday, Kamara also served them with the nostalgic 80s favourite snack, Fish 'N' Chips. 'I was out there on the streets, bringing the legendary snack back into the spotlight, and let me tell you, the buzz was electric. 'So many smiling faces, loving the nostalgia and tucking into the tasters, it was the perfect way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. Proper magic.'
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Chris Kamara gives worrying update on his health as neurological disorder which forced him off air leaves him 'really weak' and struggling to walk down stairs
Chris Kamara has revealed he struggles to walk down stairs nowadays after being diagnosed with speech apraxia. Kamara, 67, was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition that affects your ability to speak in 2022 and was subsequently forced to step away from his television duties, including Soccer Saturday. The popular pundit made a return to TV screens on Boxing Day last year when he covered Nottingham Forest 's Premier League clash with Tottenham for Amazon Prime, and he recently opened up on travelling to Mexico to undergo treatment for his condition. However, Kamara stopped the treatment after the machine that transmitted radio frequency and magnetic fields into his body became less effective, and he has now admitted that maintaining his balance has become an everyday struggle. Having made his comeback in the latter stages of 2024, Kamara has now revealed he has to choose his TV appearances carefully due to his physical issues. 'I'm choosy these days,' Kamara told the Daily Star. 'That's what's happened with the work because even though I've got the acceptance of my condition, I still don't want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me. 'So I'm not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope. Whereas now I'm a bit more choosy and will I put myself in a situation where it won't work out alongside my apraxia, I have dyspraxia, which affects your balance. 'So I'm weak, really weak, and you know, going down these stairs isn't great. Going up these stairs is fine, but going down these stairs, the brain tells you you're going to fall even though you probably won't, so you have to hold on to the banister and getting on planes and things like that. Don't be in the queue behind me because I'll be 5 minutes getting down those plane steps!' Kamara's concerning update on his health comes just weeks after he admitted to apologising to his wife, Anne, for not speaking up when he first felt the symptoms of his condition. 'They spotted the signs (that I was struggling). I should have talked to my wife Anne, for which I have apologised to her. I didn't tell my wife what was going on,' he said. 'My family would have supported me rather than somebody I didn't know, Anne, and my sons would have helped me in the first place.' Kamara, who had a 20-year playing career that saw him feature for the likes of Brentford, Sheffield United and Leeds United, worked on Soccer Saturday for 24 years before stepping away in 2022. He became a fans' favourite largely thanks to his rapport with then-presenter Jeff Stelling and his hilarious on-air gaffes. He also hosted Sky's popular football highlights show Goals on Sunday between 2000 and 2022.
