Mateus Facio, a 21-year-old mining student, was struck sharply in the head on December 31st as he was enjoying New Year’s Eve at Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro. He didn’t seek medical assistance and carried on with his days of celebrations, assuming it was only a minor injury.
- December 31: Mateus was hit in the head with what he believed was a stone.
- After 2 days: Drove back to Juiz de Fora for 7 hours.
4 days later
However, according to reports, Facio woke up one day with concerning symptoms. He was having uncontrolled muscle spasms and was unable to move his right arm. Upon arriving at the hospital, it was shocking to learn that he had a bullet stuck in the skull.
The bullet had penetrated near a critical brain region, causing nerve compression and unusual arm movements. The physicians described it as a “near miss,” noting that the bullet’s trajectory may have been slightly altered and might have resulted in more significant effects.
“By just a few millimeters it could cause much more serious damage.”
What’s even more baffling is that his neurosurgeon. Dr. Flavio Falcometa assessed that he could have still gone about his life for another 20 to 30 days without realizing the situation.
Surgery was a success
Fortunately, a two-hour surgery successfully removed the bullet. Facio spent two days in the ICU recovering before returning home to continue his recovery.
“For a person to spend four days with a bullet in their head and, until then, not have felt anything is inexplicable. He was born again.”
– Luciana Facio, Mateus’ mother.
Following his recovery, Facio made a significant life change. He decided to become a doctor because of the treatment he got. His near-death encounter prompted him to reevaluate his objectives and choose a different course.
The Cabo Frio police are investigating the incident.
