ZOLDER - BRUSSELS - BELGIUM - 19 NOVEMBER 2009 -- Josephine Nicolaas Houben at the hospital in Heusden-Zolder, holding a picture of her son Rom Houben. People thought for 23 years that Rom Houben was in a coma after a car accident in 1983. Three years ago Doctor Steven Laureys gave him a specially-adapted computer and then discovered he was not in a coma. It showed up that he was paralysed and unable to communicate. He now communicates via a computer and with the help of a specialized speech therapist. PHOTO: ERIK LUNTANG