Before she mysteriously contracted the disease, Cahalan was a bright, outgoing, and ambitious 24-year-old reporter for the New York Post. After exhibiting flu-like symptoms that were initially diagnosed as mono, she suddenly began experiencing delusions and behaving erratically. Within a few weeks, she became increasingly abusive, moody, and paranoid. Her doctors brushed off her condition as a result of too much partying and stress, but her first violent seizure signaled there was something critically askew.
Late one night, her guttural moans and grating squeaks woke up her boyfriend, Stephen. “My arms suddenly whipped out in front of me like, like a mummy, as my eyes rolled back and my body stiffened,” she writes. “I was gasping for air. My body continued to stiffen as I inhaled repeatedly, with no exhale. Blood and foam began to spurt through clenched teeth. Terrified, [he] stifled a panicked cry and for a second he stared, frozen, at my shaking body.” She now describes her seizures as eerily similar to the character Regan’s outbursts in ‘The Exorcist.’
<snip>
While her other doctors had all but given up on finding a diagnosis, Najjar swiftly ordered a brain biopsy that would confirm his hunch that she was suffering from an autoimmune disease that had only been identified two years earlier. Cahalan was the 217th person in the world to be diagnosed with anti-NDMA-receptor encephalitis, a relatively treatable illness that causes swelling in the right lobe of the brain. Untreated, she may have sunk into coma and eventually died.
'Brain on Fire' is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the brain. It is caused by the body's immune system attacking healthy brain cells, leading to inflammation and damage. The exact cause of this disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The symptoms of 'Brain on Fire' can vary, but some common symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, memory loss, and changes in behavior and personality. Other symptoms may include headaches, difficulty speaking and understanding, and movement disorders.
Diagnosing 'Brain on Fire' can be challenging as it is a rare disease and its symptoms can overlap with other neurological disorders. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and various tests such as blood tests, brain imaging, and spinal tap may be used to diagnose this disease.
Currently, there is no known cure for 'Brain on Fire'. However, with early detection and proper treatment, many patients can experience significant improvement in their symptoms. Treatment may include immunotherapy, steroids, and other medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
As the exact cause of 'Brain on Fire' is unknown, there is no known way to prevent it. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding potential triggers such as infections and stress may help reduce the risk of developing this disease.