One day in 2009, twenty-four-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up alone in a strange hospital room, strapped to her bed, under guard, and unable to move or speak. A wristband marked her as a “flight risk,” and her medical records—chronicling a month-long hospital stay of which she had no memory at all—showed hallucinations, violence, and dangerous instability. Only weeks earlier, Susannah had been … been on the threshold of a new, adult life: a healthy, ambitious college grad a few months into her first serious relationship and a promising career as a cub reporter at a major New York newspaper. Who was the stranger who had taken over her body? What was happening to her mind?
In this swift and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her inexplicable descent into madness and the brilliant, lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn’t happen. A team of doctors would spend a month—and more than a million dollars—trying desperately to pin down a medical explanation for what had gone wrong. Meanwhile, as the days passed and her family, boyfriend, and friends helplessly stood watch by her bed, she began to move inexorably through psychosis into catatonia and, ultimately, toward death. Yet even as this period nearly tore her family apart, it offered an extraordinary testament to their faith in Susannah and their refusal to let her go.
Then, at the last minute, celebrated neurologist Souhel Najjar joined her team and, with the help of a lucky, ingenious test, saved her life. He recognized the symptoms of a newly discovered autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the brain, a disease now thought to be tied to both schizophrenia and autism, and perhaps the root of “demonic possessions” throughout history.
Far more than simply a riveting read and a crackling medical mystery, Brain on Fire is the powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity and to rediscover herself among the fragments left behind. Using all her considerable journalistic skills, and building from hospital records and surveillance video, interviews with family and friends, and excerpts from the deeply moving journal her father kept during her illness, Susannah pieces together the story of her “lost month” to write an unforgettable memoir about memory and identity, faith and love. It is an important, profoundly compelling tale of survival and perseverance that is destined to become a classic.
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Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness is New York Post writer: Susannah Cahalan’s medical memoir about her experience with anti-NMDA-receptor autoimmune encephalitis. With the tone of an investigative reporter, Susannah discusses her personal memories along with her interviews with family, friends, and medical professionals about this dark time in …
Very intriguing and emotional with a happily ever after ending. This is an incredible story of a 24 year old journalist that suffered a unique disease. She takes you through the painstaking process of becoming ill, trying to find a diagnosis and finally recovery. Your heart will go out to her and her family.
This book reminds us that modern medicine is still an art not only a science. Her first person account of her struggle with her illness is compelling.
I heard an interview with the author on NPR and was captivated by her story. Once I began reading the book I couldn’t put it down. Susannah’s experience was harrowing and fascinating at the same time. I was impressed with her family and the doctors that fought so hard to help her. Finally, I was impressed with Susannah herself in overcoming such …
Absolutely amazing. A terrifying journey into the world of a mind gone wrong. This is simply a must read, and is so beautifully and honestly written.
Susannah Cahalan is a young journalist who suddenly begins to have hallucinations and paranoia. Initially, alcohol or stress is blamed, but as her symptoms get worse she has a seizure and finds herself admitted to the hospital. Doctors can’t seem to figure out what is causing her Eve worsening symptoms. Susannah writes this book based on videos …
This was a moving account of the terrifying experience writer Susannah Cahalan had with a rare/invisible illness that ravaged her body, causing seizures and delusions, and which none of her doctors could diagnose. Rare/invisible illness can be especially traumatic for patients because not only are you sick, but all your medical tests, sometimes …
Fascinating true life story.
An important account of what must have been a frightening experience. It’s a reminder that we need to pay attention to both physical symptoms and changes in behavior and persist in finding treatment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was interesting to hear all that she went through and I can’t even imagine how scary it must’ve been for her and her family. It’s frightening to think how many others have had the same disease but were misdiagnosed. Love that she is telling her story while also shedding light on the subject, she is a great writer and …
This true life account is absolutely chilling. To have your world turned upside down and have no one be able to tell you why is completely terrifying. The author’s openness about this extremely personal and frightening situation is admirable and the book is a very interesting read.
I thought this was terrifying! NO ONE knows whats wrong with her!! How scary is that!! I am so glad the parents didnt write the book, as a parent myself i cant imagine how helpless they felt! Very inspiring!
Thank you for sharing this story!
Sometimes frightening mostly inspiring account of misdiagnosis, and ultimately correct diagnosis and recovery.
This is about a young woman’s journey through the onset and pathways of a devastating Neurological disease. It’s a fantastic Read!
Difficult to read but I had real empathy for the main character. The fact it really happened to a real person made it more inspiring. The amazing thing is her ability to write what happened to her.
A true story that should inspire hope.
Read this book a couple of years ago with a book club, at my suggestion. I liked it well enough and found it interesting, informative and sympathy inducing. I am a nurse so did not get totally lost in the medical jargon (which I didn’t think was so bad). But, lol, I am the only one out of group of 8 women who liked the book. I know that some …
Enjoyed reading and learned a lot about strokes.
I loved this book even though I was scared to death for her. I couldn’t wait to find out how she got through her ordeal.
Callahan’s account of her battle with a rare autoimmune disease, which would likely have killed her if a brilliant neurologist had not finally diagnosed her accurately. Her gripping narrative draws you in; the author’s tenacity in the face of her disease and the sometimes obtuse doctors who treated her saved her life.