Brain on Fire

Brain on Fire Susannah Cahalan

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness is a memoir by Susannah Cahalan, detailing her struggle with a rare autoimmune disease, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Published in 2012, the book explores Cahalan's journey through the medical mystery that began with what appeared to be psychiatric symptoms and culminated in a diagnosis that saved her life. The narrative provides a personal account of the challenges faced when dealing with a little-understood medical condition, as well as the impact on her family, career, and sense of self.

Synopsis[edit | edit source]

The book starts with Cahalan's life as a 24-year-old reporter for the New York Post, where she begins to experience a series of inexplicable symptoms, including seizures, paranoia, and hallucinations. Initially misdiagnosed with several psychiatric disorders, her condition rapidly deteriorates. It is only through the intervention of Dr. Souhel Najjar, who asks her to draw a simple clock, that the true nature of her illness is suspected. The drawing, which Cahalan places all the numbers on one side, leads Dr. Najjar to suspect that her symptoms are not psychiatric but rather caused by inflammation of the brain. This leads to the diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the brain, leading to inflammation.

Themes[edit | edit source]

The memoir delves into themes of identity, the fragility of health, and the complexities of the medical system. Cahalan's experience underscores the importance of perseverance and advocacy in the face of uncertain medical diagnoses. It also highlights the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that is often ill-prepared to deal with rare diseases.

Impact[edit | edit source]

Brain on Fire has raised awareness about anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, leading to increased recognition and diagnosis of the condition. The book has been credited with bringing attention to the importance of medical research in autoimmune diseases and the need for a more holistic approach to diagnosis that considers both physical and mental health symptoms.

Adaptations[edit | edit source]

The book was adapted into a film, Brain on Fire, released in 2016, starring Chloë Grace Moretz as Cahalan. The film further increased public awareness of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and the challenges faced by those with rare diseases.

Reception[edit | edit source]

Brain on Fire has been praised for its compelling narrative and its ability to bring attention to a little-known medical condition. Critics have lauded Cahalan's honesty and the detailed account of her experience, which has been described as both a medical mystery and a personal journey of survival.