Head Trauma recovery?

Just a brief background on my situation.  One of my best friends was in a car wreck recently.  He suffered head trauma after hitting the windshield that caused his brain to swell.  He's now past the initial critical period and has been moved from an intensive care unit to a rehad institute.  All's I've heard for the last month is, "he just needs to open his eyes."  Well, he opened them late last week and I'm confused as to what state he's currently in.  I visited him this weekend but he seems to be in a vegatable state.  The doctor told me that head trauma patients go through 5 phases before you will know the amount of damage the patient substained.  The doctor told me he's at stage 2 since he's come out of the comma.  He currently is on no breathing apparatis or anything else.  He opens his eyes but looks out with a blank stare.  I realize that every case is different but I've become very concerned that he's going to lay in a a bed as a vegatable the rest of his life.  Do you have any advice or a website that can shead some light on this one.  He's only 26 years old and has his whole life ahead of him.

Thank you to all that support this website -
John -
A concerned friend

[HFHS-M.D.-HG]

Dear John

The physician  taking care of your friend would be the best person to give you accurate information regarding his prognosis. Given the fact that he had head injury, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for information regarding head injury. You may post any specific question pertaining to this issue in the web site www. medhelp.org (neurology forum). Good Luck .

Sincerely
HFHS-M.D.