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Brain on fire

Susannah Cahalan

20121 pagesabout 5–10 minutes
2012
first published
  • 2012Free Press · 264 pages · ENGISBN 9781451621372
  • 2013Particular BooksISBN 9781846147395
  • 2013Simon & Schuster · 288 pagesISBN 9781451621389
  • 2013Turtleback Books · 288 pagesISBN 9780606356695
  • 2015Recorded Books on Brilliance AudioISBN 9781501258985
  • 2013Simon & Schuster · 272 pagesISBN 9781476754383
  • 2013Penguin · 288 pagesISBN 9781846147746
  • 2020Simon & Schuster Audio · 1 pagesISBN 9781797112909

The book narrates Cahalan's issues with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and the process by which she was diagnosed with this form of encephalitis. She wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the events of the previous month, during which time she would have violent episodes and delusions. Her eventual diagnosis is made more difficult by various physicians misdiagnosing her with several theories such as "partying too much" and schizoaffective disorder. The book also covers Cahalan's life after her recovery, including her reactions to watching videotapes of her psychotic episodes while in the hospital.

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