World’s second-tallest man in coma

The world’s second-tallest man, Algerian Mounir Fourar, is in a coma and being sustained by an artificial respirator at Batna University Hospital after he was admitted with chest pains and breathing problems. Fourar is now in intermittent coma, waking up every so often before dropping back in. The 2.44 metre (8 feet and 0.06 inches) man’s family has called on authorities in the Batna Province to step in to save Fourar’s life. The family has extended its thanks to staff at the Batna University Hospital for their efforts so far but have said authorities must provide a medical team from the Ain Naadja Hospital to transfer him there without disrupting the artificial respirator. Anaesthetist Sesi Tewfik said Fourar was suffering from Acromegaly Gigantism due to an overproduction of growth hormones, giving him very long hands, feet and an enlarged skull. The condition, the doctor explained, also causes cardiac complications as well as blood pressure problems and seizures. Dr Tewfik said the case required treatment at a specialised neurological centre either in Constantine or Algiers, adding that it would be preferable to take him to an overseas centre for him to recover consciousness completely. Fourar’s health has been in decline since a traffic accident put him in a wheelchair. His daily suffering was doubled by his lack of state benefits when he was unable to work.