Brain on Fire
| Company type | Autobiographical book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | November 13, 2012 |
| Founder | Susannah Cahalan |
| Products | Book |
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness is an autobiographical work published in 2012 by New York Post journalist Susannah Cahalan, which became a New York Times best-seller. The narrative recounts Cahalan's confrontation with a rare encephalitis variant and her journey toward healing. Its initial release occurred on November 13, 2012, through Free Press in hardcover format, followed by a paperback edition issued by Simon & Schuster after their corporate consolidation.
Synopsis
This memoir explores Cahalan's experience with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a seldom-seen autoimmune disorder that proved difficult to diagnose. After regaining consciousness in a hospital without recollection of the preceding month—marked by violent behavior and hallucinations—she was first mistakenly diagnosed with issues such as excessive partying and schizoaffective disorder.[1] Ultimately, medical experts including Dr. Souhel Najjar suspected an autoimmune etiology.[1] Employing a clock-drawing assessment, typically utilized for diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's disease, Najjar identified abnormalities; Cahalan’s distorted clock drawing indicated inflammation in the brain’s right hemisphere responsible for controlling the left side of her body.[2] This crucial identification facilitated appropriate treatment and her subsequent recovery.[3]
The account also reflects on Cahalan’s recovery phase, including her viewing of hospital video recordings capturing her psychotic episodes. Previously diagnosed inaccurately with bipolar disorder, she discovered that the condition she suffered from had only been recognized three years prior to her illness.[4] In 2009, the majority of cases were either misdiagnosed or went unrecognized; Dr. Najjar estimated that merely around 10% were accurately diagnosed at that time. Advances since then have improved both detection and treatment outcomes.[5]
Reception
The critical response to Brain on Fire has been largely favorable. NPR described Cahalan as "a naturally talented prose stylist," who adeptly combines raw honesty with empathy and openness. The Washington Post praised her thorough research, highlighting her use of family testimonies and medical records. The book has achieved sales exceeding one million copies, been translated into over twenty languages, and has assisted numerous patients in securing accurate diagnoses.
Film adaptation
In May 2014, plans were announced to adapt the book into a film featuring Chloë Grace Moretz and produced by Cahalan alongside Charlize Theron. Although initially associated with Dakota Fanning, the production proceeded with Moretz cast in the lead role. The movie premiered on Netflix on June 22, 2018.
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedpt - ↑ Cahalan, Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, pp. 131-33.
- ↑ Edemariam, Aida (January 24, 2013). "Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan - review". The Guardian.
- ↑ Cahalan, Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, pp. 221-27.