Tony Cicoria

Tony Cicoria

Name	Tony Cicoria
Birth name
Birth date
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Death date
Death place
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Occupation	Orthopedic surgeon, pianist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Sudden musical talent after a lightning strike
Notable works
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Tony Cicoria is an American orthopedic surgeon and pianist, known for his remarkable story of acquiring musical talent following a near-death experience. His case has been widely discussed in the fields of neurology and psychology, as well as in popular media.

Early Life and Education

Tony Cicoria was born in the United States. He pursued a career in medicine, specializing in orthopedic surgery. Cicoria completed his medical education and training, eventually becoming a practicing orthopedic surgeon.

The Lightning Strike Incident

In 1994, Cicoria experienced a life-changing event. While standing near a public telephone during a thunderstorm, he was struck by lightning. The lightning bolt hit the phone, traveled through Cicoria's head, and exited through his foot. He was resuscitated by a bystander who happened to be a nurse.

Aftermath and Sudden Musical Talent

Following the incident, Cicoria experienced a series of unusual phenomena. Initially, he suffered from memory problems and difficulty concentrating, which are common after such traumatic events. However, a few weeks later, he developed an intense desire to listen to classical music, despite having no prior interest in it.

Soon after, Cicoria began to hear music in his head and felt compelled to learn to play the piano. He started taking piano lessons and began composing his own music. This sudden onset of musical ability and creativity has been a subject of interest for neurologists and psychologists, as it suggests a possible link between brain injury and the emergence of new talents.

Scientific and Cultural Impact

Cicoria's case has been studied by several researchers, including the renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks, who wrote about him in the book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain. Sacks explored the neurological basis of Cicoria's newfound abilities and discussed the broader implications for understanding the brain's capacity for creativity and adaptation.

Cicoria's story has also captured the public's imagination, leading to appearances in documentaries and interviews where he shares his experiences and music.

Also see

• Oliver Sacks
• Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain
• Neurology
• Orthopedic surgery
• Near-death experience