When the patient experienced trauma to the occipital lobe of the brain, his sense of what
was affected

When a patient experienced trauma to the occipital lobe of the brain, his vision will be affected so the answer to your question will be sense of sight. There are a variety of visual problems that would take place at the time of recovery. [e.g. Blurred vision, Double vision, and Decreased peripheral vision.] It can also lead to loss of vision depending on the experienced injury.

Communication. releasing emotions/feelings to someone you know you can count on. ; ) someone who may not understand but willing to listen.