Indian visitor who lost part of skull in freak accident recovers
Timely surgery in Dubai for multiple skull fractures helps him regain memory
An Indian man who lost part of his skull — and memory — following a freak accident in Dubai has finally flown home after complex life-saving surgery and treatment helped him regain his memory.
Abdul Aboobaker, 36, from Kerala, was hit by a car in November 2023 when he was sitting in a cafeteria. He was on a visit to Dubai in search of a job as a sales executive. He suffered multiple skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury.
He was rushed to Rashid Hospital where surgeons conducted open head surgery before being shifted to the New Medical Centre.
On January 12, Aboobaker flew home to India where he underwent a cranioplasty in Mangaluru, Karnataka.
What is cranioplasty?
Cranioplasty is the surgical repair of a bone defect in the skull resulting from a previous injury. The neurosurgical procedure is designed to repair or reshape irregularities or imperfections in the skull.
It is often recommended following a traumatic injury (or to correct a birth defect). The skull bones are repaired using either a bone graft or synthetic material.
Aboobaker told Gulf News: “I am so grateful for the timely treatment received at Rashid Hospital in Dubai. The surgeons here saved my life and I will be indebted to them forever.”
Aboobaker has no memory of the accident.
Social workers from Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) coordinated efforts with Aboobaker’s family and the government hospital to ensure his recovery and return home.
Haris Chalakunnu and Haskar Choori of Kasaragod Municipal Committee, a subdivision of KMCC, helped facilitate Aboobaker’s return.
Choori said: “After his first operation, Aboobaker was not able to remember many things. For example, he could not recognise his wife and children. Slowly, his memory improved. He is now able to walk again. He is still unable to speak full sentences without grammatical errors.
“We are grateful for the support from Rashid Hospital which enabled his recovery.”
I am so grateful for the timely treatment received at Rashid Hospital in Dubai. The surgeons here saved my life and I will be indebted to them forever.”
Abdul Aboobaker | Indian visitor who suffered a brain injury