The Most Bizarre Neurological Conditions You Never Heard Of

Join renowned neuroscientist Dr. Vilayanur Ramachandran as he explores four extraordinary neurological conditions that challenge everything we know about the mind. Meet Graham, who is blind yet can perceive movement, defying conventional scientific understanding. Discover the perplexing phenomenon of phantom limbs, where amputees continue to feel sensations in their missing limbs. Learn about patients like Mrs. Sinclair, who deny their paralysis and believe their limbs belong to others, a condition known as anosognosia. Understand how damage to the brain's temporal lobes can lead to profound emotional and cognitive changes, as seen in temporal lobe epilepsy.
This documentary is not just about rare conditions-it's about uncovering the incredible adaptability and complexity of the human brain. Each case study is a detective story, revealing new insights into consciousness, self-awareness, and the very nature of belief.
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Content licensed from All3Media. Any queries, please contact us at: [e-mail]

[@RealStories]

What do you find most fascinating about the human brain?

[@carolseven3802]

Its ability to protect itself.

[@samantha1877]

Everything...I feel my brain is dieing😢

[@brightphoebesays]

The spiritual aspect, the crossover between spirituality and neuroscience. Cool. Fascinating.

[@boynamedsue55able]

Its resilience and ability to adapt by compensating for an injury. For instance as described in David Eagleman's book, "The Brain", a four year old girl named Cameron Mott had half her brain removed (right hemisphere) due to seizures caused by Rasmussen's Encephalitis. After the surgery, her brain was able to rewire itself so that she developed normally with some weakness on her left side of her body since she no longer had the right hemisphere of her brain. Nonetheless, she still did well in school having a normal IQ and was able to understand language, music, math, stories, and also played sports.

[@sXcSigMa3367]

@@samantha1877why?

[@kellilambert7570]

I find that the doctor treats the patients with respect and doesn't assault their self esteem. Admirable.

[@mikemondano3624]

"Self-esteem" is a bizarre concept laughed at by much of the world as ridiculous. It basically boils down to the degree of selfish high regard you think others should have for you.

[@IB4UUB4ME]

Yeah, not many people have any natural affection anymore!

[@mygirldarby]

​@mikemondano3624 that is complete bs. Even the most primitive societies have had the concept of respect. In fact, in many parts of the world, like many areas in the Middle East and Africa, insulting someone or disrespecting them is a very serious transgression. There is no society of humans on earth that doesn't have the concept. A person's self-esteem is tied to self-respect and respect demanded of others. If you violate it, you will be considered rude, obnoxious, and in some circumstances, you could be in physical danger. You need a lot more education.

[@mikemondano3624]

@@mygirldarby Nice speech. But completely irrelevant to what I posted. Do you have the wrong section?

[@emilyrose7231]

@@mikemondano3624 What a strange and foundless thing to assert.

[@wetmonkey]

Years ago, my late uncle complained to me that his amputated left leg is so itchy that it was driving him mad. I introduced him to the mirror trick because i had watched one of Dr Ramachandran’s lectures on this subject. It was so satisfying that it worked, and my uncle’s tears of relieve was a very emotional moment for us.

[@stillhere1425]

That is marvelous! Almost makes you believe you were guided to go to that lecture.

[@rdallas81]

Wonderful❤

[@saramcmahon7300]

Dr. Ramachandran is the Niel Degrasse Tyson of neuroscience.... I can't unsee it

[@lisaschuster686]

He looks like Neil Degrass Tyson, and takes the same delight in his scientific field.

[@2ndhandanxiety719]

Please don’t insult the good Dr like that

[@mitchie.shells]

I thought the same thing!!!

[@NotThisShipSister1]

Well now I am afraid to watch him. Are you saying he is a goof?

[@RuthGorst]

They must be related. How can we bring them together?

[@dyver123]

I read one of dr. Ramachandran's papers on phantom limbs for my bachelor's thesis, and let me tell you, it was amazing!

[@mikemondano3624]

"Bachelor" means you are as yet uneducated, _in statu pupulari,_ and may now begin the first steps in your education. You may "commence" it, thus, "commencement".

[@inregionecaecorum]

It is fairly probable that I have read at least one of his papers, I have certainly come across him before, as I remember disagreeing with one of his hypotheses, however all of that is beyond my recall now, as I grow old and I wear my sulcus rolled.

[@dyver123]

@@mikemondano3624 Ok Final Fantasy guy

[@uiopuiop3472]

@@mikemondano3624 ok now touch grass

[@Raymond-sw1pe]

The brain never forgets a body part.

[@shyuhway7509]

I think we can all agree that we want Dr. Ramachandran hosting a tv show on neuroscience

[@superbad3591]

Understanding the brain and mind is like trying to understand the universe, it excites me that there is still so much to learn

[@Raymond-sw1pe]

The brain is more complex than the universe.

[@Raymond-sw1pe]

And yet it is full of limitations. Seemingly insurmountable ones.

[@GummerHummerQueen]

This documentary came out on BBC in 2001.... I was watching this thinking, they knew this decades ago, They really should include the original air date at the title end or pin it😂

[@halkihaxx5]

Oh, yeah, was just thinking that this might've been groundbreaking 20+ years ago. Was baffled by the narrator admiring their groundbreaking ideas, which have become the general consensus by this point.

[@sayittomyfaceidareyou8629]

What is so funny about this tho

[@crystalclear6864]

@@GummerHummerQueen very interesting video but yes! U tube really is lazy in dating stuff and re-sending ad finitum!

[@acooperism]

@@GummerHummerQueen THANK YOU!!! I was wondering!!!!!!

[@jessicahue5676]

Yeah I looked up the Dr.R and he was born in 51.....so I was guessing it was filmed around then ....thanks for the info!

[@D-me-dream-smp]

We have a tendency to believe that what we see is a true, objective representation of the reality around us but when I started to practice my drawing skills it made me realise how much our brains actually “process” visual information and even adds or alters details. Our vision is less like a photograph and more an amalgamation of sensory input, influenced by our previous experiences and emotions. Our perception of colour is probably the most basic example of this.

[@lisaschuster686]

But my mother and I always remember colors as their opposites until we get very familiar with an object. I tested myself once, but I knew I was testing myself and had just seen the brightly colored birthday card and knew it was a rich turquoise. But it was a deep red-orange - or vice-versa.

[@kristopherguilbault5428]

​@@lisaschuster686that is extremely curious :o

[@ChillinVillin-in7sj]

Sometimes I can taste colours,especially orange and purple,but if gray is next to say orange the flavor is gritty. I don’t talk about this,for obvious reasons. I was in the military (pow)and got bounced around (head).So I understand why this happened,also,from my observations:the brain does not like a vacuum,so it embroiders (fills in),if one is aware of this ,one is more likely to look at things for what they are!Not what we are programmed to see.Colours are significant to survival,as much as texture. Thank for a very interesting program.🀄️

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

Thank you 2x for your service and for this information. I didn't think that I do the same bcz I lost all my smell 32 yrs ago, and now I do this to remember. I lost my sight in one eye and the other is. Bad. My hearing loss, so I'm terrified of what might be the cause.... But, glad you made it back. Best wishes

[@user-MultiCrafter5119]

Yes our brains are truly fascinating. When I touch a certain spot on the left side of my nose I also feel it in the back left side of my neck. Another strange thing is that frequently (not always) when I urinate, I feel pain in my Center 3 fingers of my right hand. My doctor found this strange but I googled it and apparently it’s quite common.

[@michaellawson6533]

I find it fascinating that I had a piece of my brain removed, the size of a Bic cigarette lighter, in 1985 and suffered no side effects whatsoever. And fully cured for epilepsy. It has always puzzled me how all the lights still shine brightly even though all the wires in that area have been cut, and even some transformers removed. 😃😇😄

[@passionatebeast24]

Fascinating. We still have a lot to learn.

[@JackassJester]

Being hearing impaired, I have, on a few occasions, experienced what is known as musical ear syndrome. My brain comes up with and allows me to listen to all types of music, typically in the middle of the night when all is quiet. It sounds like a concert that's way off in the distance. I find it fascinating what my brain can and will do in an attempt to compensate for my hearing loss. It just makes stuff up. It's a pretty cool experience.

[@buzzzzzz69]

Just like someone who has lost most of their vision who can see perfectly well in their dreams...🌈🎉

[@SNi-hn1wd]

I have rhat, too! I completely lost hearing in my right ear due to a virus. Since then, I hear music on that side only. Sometimes its a choir, sometimes cowboy music, and all kinds. Sometimes its the easy listening or classical my dad used to listen to. I describe it as if there is a radio playing in another room of the house but the door to that room is closed so you can't quite pick up the words in the songs. I find it soothing, and I hope it never stops. The E-N-T doc said they think it comes from your memory, but said it's not really known for sure.

[@Debbie-henri]

I'm the same! I know it as the audio version of Charles Bonnet's Syndrome (which is often associated with those having had visual problems, but it occurs among those of us with hearing issues too). Mine is also distant music, a kind of lovely, spooky, divine chorus and church organ music - which couldn't be any less appropriate, seeing as I don't have that belief at all. First time I heard it, I asked my son, who was about 10 at the time, if he could hear it. I was that sure it was real music and not another tinnitus spell. He said no, of course, but I was adamant, thinking it was a radio somewhere, and then went outside, thinking it was someone else's radio. My son must've thought I was crazy that day, and I was questioning the state of his hearing. But I began to guess it was in my head when it clicked that the music was at the same sound level no matter where I was. Pretty baffled for a while But not many weeks later, there was a radio programme on about Charles Bonnet's Syndrome and I finally discovered what it was. It's happened since, but not often - yet always the same music. Funny, because it's not music I would choose to listen to. Indeed, I'm not that keen on music on the whole. My explanation for why I have this condition? Ear infections. I started going deaf at the age of 4 months. Totally deaf by age 6 years. Operation restored it quite well, but it's been slowly fading everywhere since. Indeed, I'm very reliant on lip reading and subtitles now.

[@malissahyatt2425]

I can hear but I have this too. Mine comes from droning sounds like the ac. My brain replaced it w music or like a news broadcast. And yeah, it's like it's muffled from another room. Last night was a rock concert and I was really wishing it had a volume control. A bit loud. 😊

[@captainchaos3053]

@@JackassJester lucky you. I got tinnitus along with my hearing loss. Its relentless.

[@siriusness7505]

For anyone interested in this subject I would strongly recommend a book titled " The Man who mistook his wife for a hat" by Oliver sacks. Im almost certain that Dr. Ramachandran knows the book. Fascinating read.

[@rtru9801]

Have it, some bizarre things the brain can do, did find some contradictory things stated in that book

[@TeeKing]

Sacks was fascinated with synesthesia, which I have in droves. Amazing gifts often come with maddening, overwhelming stimuli.

[@lsuzicosbw644]

Thank you!!!!!! Been looking for reads like this! Will try to see if a local library has it near me

[@mikemondano3624]

He has a host of books and they are all edifying.

[@playnicechannel]

This is an excellent book. He is a good writer and had respect for the individuals he had worked with.

[@HannahandCailinLoesch]

Always been so fascinated by phantom limbs. It's one of those things where you wish you could put yourself in someone's shoes for a moment to truly understand what they are feeling.

[@sonyagraske376]

My ex husband lost his left leg, halfway down his thigh. He was told phantom pains would finally go away. That was a lie. He experienced sharp stabbing like pains in his no longer left foot, cramping in his no longer leg and itching. Not all at the same times, just random. He would pat the end of his nub to help/ sooth whatever he was feeling. It was VERY SAD for me to watch. I can only imagine how it effected him. He also would often get up from laying down, especially out of sleep at night and forget He no longer had his leg, and ultimately would fall. Now I am crying. 😢 R.I.P. Kevin, he passed away in 2011, he would be turning 61 tomorrow, May. 29. He lived a very sad life. He was injured at 19 in an industrial accident. We have 3 beautiful children. We miss him.😢

[@suomynonaanonymous]

@@sonyagraske376 How did he die so young?

[@SueSA2009]

Read my comment, I typed today. It might just start making some sense. It truly is fascinating.

[@theresefournier3269]

@@sonyagraske376 People, be-lie-ve their lies to their own detriment and as a rule, live to regret it. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Best. 😘 Teri ❣️

[@niemamatury]

I had a weird relationship with mirrors growing up- i am left handed and my grandpa taught me how to write without making me aware i was writing in a wrong direction (mirroring his right hand moves with my left hand).It took a mirror (and my sister to make me aware) to realise my writing was a mirror picture, also to correctly identify where to reach for objects seen in the mirror. My mind was getting confused for some time.

[@stephanierheadenniche]

This is wild tbh

[@lsuzicosbw644]

Fascinating! My kid is ambidextrous. Was reading up on it and some people say it’s a gift, others say is a mental condition. They suggested teaching your child to choose a dominant hand eventually. Some people said it’s also difficult for teachers to cater to ambidextrous children :/

[@mikemondano3624]

Me, too. I was possessed by Rakashi, the demon of blood, fire, light, and lust, dweller of mirrors. Luckily, I trapped him between two mirrors and he is probably still bouncing around the infinite reflections. I practiced writing backward with my left hand just in case my right got blown off in an accident.

[@dogtraininginthedark]

I have no eyes. They were removed in 2010, due to problems that I had with them and the fact that they were incredibly painful, were shrinking and did not work anyway. I can still feel them. On occasion, they still hurt like they did before my surgery and I can still see light.

[@taleandclawrock2606]

That is fascinating. Imaorry for your loss of your eyes. Ive heard of several people who learned to see without using their eyes. Thankyou for sharing.

[@fatarsedfun]

Kudos to this Doctor, engaging, knowledgeable and passionate.

[@akiko7298]

Blind sight makes sense knowing I myself have driven all across town but I wasn't really conscious of what I was doing (busy inside my own head/zoned out..ADHD) and I never hit anything, avoided all obstacles etc.

[@TheDramacist]

This is common. I often tune out, surprised when Im suddenly home

[@bonnie3232]

I am very ADHD also. I do that almost daily,lol!

[@darkstarr984]

My dad seemed to do that and I thought it was weird. But I have to consciously think about my surroundings, which is why I might look well-coordinated to people, but if I stop thinking of the location of everything surrounding me… it gets to be a mess.

[@marvolom787]

There are accounts of long distance drivers driving 'by autopilot' for hours, having no real recollection of the road, but never causing any accident

[@mikemondano3624]

Just luck so far. Stop doing that before you kill someone.

[@SueSA2009]

My husband lost 3 fingers in a work accident. They were tenderized and had to be amputated. However, the very skilled neurolo sergeants wrapped the nerves and closed th wounds after the skillful amputations. They said that in the future, the science might have a way to restore new fingers and use the intact nerves for sensations. My husband says, "Sometimes it feels like his missing fingers are cold, ir in pain, or tingling." i think it's the presence of the nerves that make him feel that way. It could be more psychological case, I, of course don't know. Hopefully this helps someone out there. Please stsy safe, God bless you.

[@lisaschuster686]

Was it part of a clinical trial? Sounds experimental.

[@ma-ze4ed]

Phantom pain/sensation. Most amputees experience this, since the brain still "thinks" the organ is still intact. People who experience phantom itches at times cry because they feel the itch, but can't itch it to quench the feeling. Bless your husband Sue.

[@user-bp1ve1be7f]

I'm 63 & when I turned 50 I started to lose my motor skills walking talking etc. My teeth were loosing & ended up losing most I found out that I had been hosting a tick infold of left ear I'm not doing very well though I'm trying doctors wouldn't believe me & called me crazy & a druggy & I don't drink Alcohol or do drugs 😢

[@JerseyLynne]

Doctors very often don't listen.

[@sonyagraske376]

​@@handmadewithnailandias if you were there. Doctors WILL VERY OFTEN MAKE PEOPLE FEEL AS THOUGH THEY DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOUR SAYING TO THEM. JUST PLEASE DONT BE SO QUICK TO JUDGE. YOU ARENT IN THE PERSONS PLACE. 😢

[@deyanirachavezluviano5506]

Dr.s can be very closed minded. Always advocate for yourself

[@corpsefoot758]

Hopefully you have some way of making yourself feel a bit better now :(

[@user-bp1ve1be7f]

Thank you for kind words I'm Trying ❤️‍🩹

[@black_sheep_nation]

I asked the head monk of my Buddhist order how Shakyamni dealt with physical pain. "He was free of the construct of pain the mind creates, but the sensation of pain still existed". As a practicing Buddhist, I grasp the first part of that sentence. But the second, I'm still grappling to comprehend. I've mastered neither.

[@courtneyskyla]

Maybe the difference between pain and suffering? Pain is inevitable but suffering in optional

[@black_sheep_nation]

@@courtneyskyla I don't think so. I believe the first part is...pain is inevitable. Is right on. But so is suffering. The four noble Truths has suffering in every part: Life IS suffering we suffer because we desire (attachment) the cessation of suffering and being free of desires (attachments) is the Path.

[@YochevedDesigns]

A friend of mine has severe face blindness. She has lots of coping strategies, but one day she almost took the wrong little boy home from preschool. The boy and her son were both wearing red shirts that day. Luckily a teacher saw what was going on and straightened things out. After that, a teacher was always on hand to bring her son directly to the car.

[@nettewilson5926]

That’s so sad

[@medad5413]

This is the first time to hear about face blindness, but it very much describes what I have, I easily zone out and do not process faces, which caused me many embarrassments when I pass by people facing at them, but never see them. I will further search about this term

[@stillhere1425]

My mother-in-law lives with us. She is suffering from dementia and, though obsessively attached to my husband, does not know who I am. When we go to church, I am not the same person as I was at home. When we go to dinner afterwards, she asks her son why “that girl” is always around when they eat at restaurants. Early on, my husband said to her “Don’t you remember my wife?” She stubbornly replied “I don’t remember.” She never speaks my name. We have been married for 36 years.

[@user-bp1ve1be7f]

@@stillhere1425 wow that's hard to deal with stay strong too

[@AmitGupta-hb2lg]

If you are seeing this from past 36 years, then, you are very nice person. Hats off to you. Respect to you from India (Bharat)

[@Foxy-el1pk]

March 2019 I all of a sudden passed out at work. My Mum came and got me and took me to the Dr. (Hospital's were ramping). When she came, I had no idea who she was and I was extremely confused. Once I was at the medical clinic, I had my first seizure in my life (I was 33 years old). After spending 2 weeks in the hospital and having several seizures a day, I was diagnosed with; Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures (PNES). In early 2023, I was diagnosed by a Neuro psychiatrist with; Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with PNES. Since early 2019 (before Covid really was known) I've had daily seizures. I don't feel like God though 😂 I'm absolutely exhausted and so sore after each seizure. It also doesn't help when I have Lupus SLE and Fibromyalgia. So, for me, I feel like I have my own neurological mystery.

[@lisaschuster686]

And you really do have a mysterious condition! Write to this doctor in San Diego.

[@heide-raquelfuss5580]

Some dogs get zeisures after taking a vaccine. Did you take a vaccine before you got a seizure?

[@NotThisShipSister1]

@@heide-raquelfuss5580 I feel the first sentence is completely unnecessary…

[@TerminalChillness]

I feel like I have a neurological disorder that hasn’t been discovered yet because I’ve tried to explain my overactive brain to countless experts, and they’re all stumped. I feel diagonally parked in a parallel universe.

[@vanessawellner6057]

I'd like to know more about how you feel

[@phiwendleleni4241]

That is because they don't know anything most of the time or just want to work on what they have been programmed to do , that is why they have those poor victims they experiment on with or without consent

[@TheeQuinnM]

Sounds like ADHD, no?

[@heatherwolmarans8287]

At age 40 I seriously thought I was going insane, eventually was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE). It doesn't manifest as fits, but the temopral lobe has "fits". Still weird at 60yo, but now I know I'm not going mad😂

[@rcristy]

​@@heatherwolmarans8287interesting. Is that like what Chase Hughes from the behavior panel has?

[@anitarose7915]

I can happily say, after I had my tonsils removed at 20 years old, I have never felt them since. My tonsils rotted in my throught due to a very neglected childhood, where I was left on my own with very little nutrition. Always sick with severe sore throats. The last time I got sick prior to surgery, I was 16, and I was taken to the hospital by a neighbor because I could not breathe. Both my nose was stuffed up, and my throat closed off due to swelling. I could only breathe by angling my head just right so I could get air. By the time my tonsils came out, they were enlarged with huge cuts and disfigured shape. They were also so infected that they stunk of rot that I tasted in my mouth.

[@user-bp1ve1be7f]

O my gosh you be strong too We all have somekind of battle we need to stick together for all our well being I'm sorry you had to go through that my thoughts & prayers for you thee universe knows what we all need & we have to listen with our hearts Do be well 🌏🪬☯️❤️‍🩹

[@danaredditt5609]

I have seizures and have experienced those symptoms as well. My senses will get mixed up and I can "smell" and "taste" colors. I wish he would study my brain.

[@TomDavidMcCauley]

Sounds like you’ve got synesthesia

[@patmaurer8541]

@@danaredditt5609 Check out the work of Dr. David Eagleman. He even has an online survey for synesthetes.

[@keenanwhitham4920]

@@TomDavidMcCauley That only applies to seeing music isn't it?

[@syedattaullahatta4055]

Dr Ramachandram is a really high qualfied in own subject (neurology),I am inspired by him...

[@annaprobert1286]

My grandpa was an amputee.l for 25 years… He always complained about phantom pain , which was that he felt his finger nails had grown too long and were growing into his wrist… he always joked saying he wanted someone to cut his phantom fingernails!

[@WwarpfirewW]

Great documentary, its crazy how far brain sciences got since this document was filmed

[@buzzzzzz69]

I can fully appreciate the concept of blind sight. Being almost completely blind in my left eye there has been a few times over my life where i have come incredibly close to injuring myself on that side- especially around the face/head (such as walking into a street sign or shop display rack) but at the last split second i will react & my reflex actions will take over, preventing disaster.

[@VWPirates]

I ended up next to a guy in ICU for 3 months who has a leg amputated. During the early days when we both experienced hectic pain and had plenty morphine injections, he was told about fantom pain in his missing leg. At the time he didn't take note. Later when he started experiencing it I told him the doctors called it fantasy pains. Not remembering it myself. Anyways he told the nurses daily that he has fantasies and he was ignored until we discovered it's fantom pain and not fantasy pains. We still laugh about those fantasy pains he had.

[@mikemondano3624]

He should sue you for practicing medicine without a license.

[@troydorr4867]

I had all my teeth pulled out a few years ago. It's a long story. Anyway, since I had them pulled out, I've experienced phantom teeth aches, sometimes even a teth grinding sensation. It doesn't happen every day. But at least 2 times a month. It's hard to explain how it feels.

[@TheTonyMcD]

I like Phillip. He's really smart, charming, and has taken control over his disability. He seems like a really great guy.

[@jNRoss123]

This man is completely eager and determined. It is refreshing to see another human being wanting to help his fellow human being! And this is what it means to be alive and be human! 🎉❤

[@DrGarri]

In my case, I have difficulty identifying left from right. If I'm driving and you tell me turn to the right, there are 50% chances that I would turn to the left. I wear a ring on my left hand to remind me that that is my left side, but it doesn't help at all, my brain just ignores that visual clue. The neurologist told me that this happens sometimes to people who are born only before 9 months of gestation, which is my case, because it is during the ninth month that your brain completely develops the area that clearly recognizes left from right.

[@millisagable3018]

I have that issue too.

[@DogChowGurl]

Still guessing at left or right. Sometimes I pat my leg (any leg), and it helps me, "no, not that one side". Also profoundly ambidexterous. I can write forwards and backwards with both hands simultaneously. I have a plethora of other neuro/brain stuff, including face blindness...

[@DrGarri]

@@DogChowGurl I think your is a phenomenal "condition"!

[@kevinireland8020]

Many people forgo L and R and opt for 'passenger side' and 'driver side'.

[@DrGarri]

@@kevinireland8020 If you move between the US and England, that is a sure way to become crazy.

[@LLS710]

Could this be why I don't feel like anything but a young man? I'm getting old, I see it in the mirror, I'm almost 60, but I can't EXIST with it no matter how hard I try. I don't like the incongruity between my age/look and how I feel.

[@heatherwolmarans8287]

I feel about 30, until I have to look in a mirror (I avoid mirrors as much as possible😅) and I see a 60yo woman.

[@suomynonaanonymous]

@@heatherwolmarans8287 Same I still feel 25 inside until I look in the mirror.

[@LucyDenbowski]

I'm sort of the opposite

[@mariacidaliapereiragaidola5405]

Totally understand what your saying

[@Ceerads]

I think that once we are old, we sometimes forget how it felt to be young; how we thought, etc. Under the influence of a youth-worshiping society (here in the States and other countries that worship youth and denigrate old people), we believe we’re thinking the way we did when young, but we are fooling ourselves. I’m 76 and can remember (I think) a little about how my mind worked when I was young, and my thinking -speed of thought, flexibility, range, free-associating, etc. - was very different back then.

[@allanasava]

The brain is simply an organ of mystery. I love an exciting adventure into the human brain as this one. It's really interesting the thing the human brain can accomplish and do. I love this!

[@ranimouf]

The reason behind the denial and the selfdeception of the patient's inability to perform certain tasks is actually a positive reaction to the tragic trauma that happened to him.. This means that the patient wants to go on with his life as if nothing happened. On the contrary, when you have a patient who's totally aware of what happened and is verbalising all his handicaps in detail , this patient is likely to go into a deep depression which can shorten his life dramatically.

[@globalcliques]

I experience temporal lobe epilepsy. I can understand were a person might feel like they're having a religious experience or even feel like they're haunted. All but the left/right side blindness I experience

[@juliehay]

I am 74, in 2019 I had a bowel resection, the surgery lasted for 8 hours due to complications, during this surgery the surgeon damaged my pudendal nerve. Subsequently I had severe neuropathic pain which was ongoing up until recently. Now I am pretty much pain free. I was on a lot of pain medication during the past five years but I have gradually reduced the medication as pain receded. When I was having severe attacks of pain, my pain radiated along my pudendal nerve and radiated throughout my abdomen. I would have menstrual pain, and labour pain, even though I had a hysterectomy when I was 41. Phantom pain. Thankyou for explaining all this as it validates my experience.

[@divaden47]

Utterly absorbing. I had read of the brain re-wiring the phantom limb sensitivity before. Blind site was so amazing how the brain used old pathways when needed. Explained so much so clearly. Thanks.

[@bringhomethebasil8729]

This explains a lot. I worked in a nursing home and there was a women (with stroke) who would get angry and short tempered and say she doesn’t need us to do things for her because she could. When asking her why she doesn’t .. she would say “because you people won’t let me and this is why I’ll never be able to leave here”… she was normal in all other respects. She went through at least 4 different physical therapy facilities (& even the best one in the state) and she never made any progress and the facility would end her treatment and she’d demand to go to a new facility.

[@Sue-zf5uu]

My grandfather had his leg amputated and told me his toes still hurt like crazy. He said he knew with his eyes, the foot was gone, but the nerves and his brain would not accept it being gone. I felt so bad for him.

[@theresarasche3173]

I saw that mirror box on an episode of House. It was fascinating 😮❤

[@geroldbendix1651]

Dr.Ramachandran is a genius. He made practical value out of the principle of duality. The mirror experiment was remarkable 👍

[@jaywhoisit4863]

You ever notice when you’re walking that you never have to shorten or lengthen your strides for things like curbs or potholes? You brain map adjusts your stride many steps before the obstacle so when you reach it, it’s just another normal step. Nothing exaggerated large or short. Think about it next time you’re out for a walk. You’ll never hit a curb mid foot.

[@PowerLiesToParalyze]

This guy is the real Dr House

[@nefertitib4313]

His explanation makes it sound so simple a child could do it.. this guy knows everything about the brain and he can put the 2 & 2 together like no other. I’m surprised it is not common knowledge in medical science, it sure sounds like everyone should know this already.

[@brightphoebesays]

The section about John with the temporal lobe seizures was very helpful to me to understand what happened to my mother when she had a stroke and thought it was god revealing himself to her, and subsequently she became a born again christian and professed that everything in the bible must be true. After a second stroke, which saw her in the hospital, I spoke to the doctors who had the same dilemma as Dr Ramachandran in whether to explain or not to explain, the religious aspect of her experiences. It is out of their scope, and not acceptable to delve into, although, to a mind of science, intensely important, especially for the relationship between my mother and me, which has deteriorated as a result. If only they could say, "This is a result of her strokes". I could forgive her for the betrayal and the damnation of my soul.

[@rtru9801]

Or you could just go with what she says and know it’s from the stroke whether a physical change has taken place or what she is experiencing is real, why dose it have to be a problem, just tell her it’s great that she now has this relationship with God and that you’re doing your best to feel as she does, or sone such thing, the idea is not to argue with her or try to convince her she’s imagining it all

[@darlenekorson3716]

Most likely it is. I've seen patient's personalities change completely after a stroke.

[@brightphoebesays]

@@darlenekorson3716 Thank you!!! It's like she's not the same person any more. She's still walking around, but it's not her. I am basically mourning. I loved the mom I had.

[@meoohmy3231]

This is phenomenal! I have been fascinated by phantom limb pain since an old boyfriend’s dad was pieced apart from diabetes. John would wack his infected leg, when he still had it, with a wooden stick whenever it would be painful in a certain area. However, he still experienced these strong, shooting pains in his “leg” after they removed it.

[@lisaschuster686]

How hard did he whack it?

[@sueg7174]

Wonderful ! I do hope we can unravel more of the brains mysteries in the enxt decade. Thank you for a very interesting programme.

[@owen7585]

Watching from Uganda

[@JerseyLynne]

How rude. No wonder your horse is crying.​@@handmadewithnailandi

[@michellem1329]

I had an accident and developed nerve damage to my right foot. When I plucked my eyebrows I would feel it in my foot. I had hypersensitivity to that foot could not get a pedicure even a cloth touching it bothers me. I live in San Diego, it would be nice to see this doctor.

[@roseannarabia6461]

While out traveling, I fell asleep while driving but continued driving without any issues. I was dreaming I was with my daughter in the day time and we were walking around, while at the same time I was staring out at the windshield while driving at night. I suddenly became aware that I was dreaming and was terrified and pulled over abruptly. I had three of my children in the car with me and they had no idea that I had, at least partially, fallen asleep. For anyone that knows, would this also be considered blind-sight?

[@saammahakala]

50:25 Just remember not to associate one's mind with the body's brain.

[@shivalishankersharma1562]

Dr Ramachandra is a delight to watch. Does he have more lectures here on youtube or on some podcast ?

[@kifayatchemistrylectures]

Extraordinary and amazing explanation of brain functions...The most powerful part of human body.

[@pettiestbettyart]

5 years ago I was paralyzed because of transverse myelitis, so I’m a incomplete t9 paraplegic, I just woke up one day and suddenly there was pain and burning, then nothing from the top of my waistline down. I regained partial sensation in the lower part of my body, but if I can’t see my legs, I couldn’t tell you what position they’re in… right now I’m reclining in bed, but my legs feel like they’re bent at the knees like I’m sitting in a chair.

[@mygirldarby]

That is so scary! I didn't know that could happen. I'm glad you got some feeling back.

[@luciferra8413]

oh my, what an incredible, amazing document! so grateful for this, THANK YOU!

[@theresefournier3269]

Yes. 🔥 The power of the mind!🤔 YAHbsolutely fascinating❣️ Thank you🌹

[@Lovin_It]

1:23:45 Good one. Liam Neeson dubbed his voice in for the good doctor.

[@rajinikanthrajini3247]

One of the best documetory I ever seen. Now I don't understand my brain. It's looks calm inside the shell, but it's doing multilayer of works. It's amazing. When u know more, u know less.

[@mollyfernlund8743]

Oh this is so interesting! I have many activities I want to try with this wonderful people! Fascinating!! ❤️

[@grbradsk]

I've heard Ramachandran give talks -- always fascinating and sometimes horrifying. Tinnitus is also a "phantom" -- I have it and it was by practicing not caring about the sound that allowed the sound to become lower, background.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

I’ve read that tinnitus is something everyone has. Most people just chose to ignore it. Other people it drives them mad! It’s all in the brain not in the ears.

[@carolehankinson4969]

The people that want a limb amputated and say that it's not apart of them are so incessed about it that they try to get rid of it themselves. That's so strange and makes me wonder about reincarnation.

[@theresefournier3269]

Yes, i have seen 7, obsessed until it was done; even go as far as doing it all by themselves, with a hand saw😢

[@carolehankinson4969]

@@theresefournier3269 so glad I'm not the only one whose seen it (documentary) etc. Yes I remember one tried differant ways and they ended up putting the unwanted limb (leg) on a railway line when the train was coming, that person ended up losing both legs and an arm and nearly died, but it's so strange isn't it? This documentary was fascinating with how far this guy and other Doctors have come to understand the brain. But the people who have had NDEs fascinate me even more as more Doctors actually do believe the patients are telling the truth about them and have done studies. I've had a few experiences myself that can't be explained and being a cynical person I started realising 20yrs ago that there's so much we as humans don't understand. ♥️🇬🇧♥️

[@theresefournier3269]

@@carolehankinson4969... so did i, and my 92 year old mother🤔and so much we were, by design, made to forget 🤷. This body, is in-DEED🙏, wonderfully made and YAHbsolutely... fascinating❣️

[@carolehankinson4969]

@@theresefournier3269 totally agree, I don't believe in coincidences and for this Earth we live on to be in the "Goldie Locks" zone with such a complex system from insects to Whales etc to keep this Planet healthy for all these years there's got to be more to it all than evolution. Like you said about your Mum and you there's people like us who have seen and heard more than others have and we tell the people we trust who know us (in my case anyway until my ex who called me nuts saw things for himself that couldn't be explained in anyway it was a relief for me. We know 100% don't we? ♥️🇬🇧♥️

[@jamieweatherwalk2752]

There was a lady who wanted to be blind so bad she had poured bleach in her eyes, in the company of I believe a psychiatrist, whom she made force her to wait a specific length of time before taking her to the hospital. I think she said 10 minutes. Before the incident, she pretended to be blind and lived a lifestyle as such. Afterwards, something like 80% of her vision was gone. After years, she found out the damage may be reversible, and seriously considered not wanting to be blind anymore. It was on Dr. Phil, I believe.

[@irenemariannehausammannnascime]

I had a brainstorm and wasn’t able to use my whole left side! I decided to cure myself! Little, short steps, I realized, that my brain other cells were able to do the work! Today, God‘s mercy healed me completely! Praise the Lord!

[@user-fed-yum]

I'm so glad that your brain cell was able to reconcile with your other brain cell, and what a miracle you healed yourself. You should tell the Pope, as he gives out special prizes for that sort of thing. All hail the invisible pink unicorn and all her special powers over us. All hail

[@Atlas_Redux]

And the Bullshit I Just Made Up-Award of the year goes tooooo...

[@dmd_design]

@@user-fed-yum thank you so much for that. I am in tears 😂

[@michaelallen2358]

🦄🦄🦄Hail!!!

[@Oldgold-zo3et]

Course ya did

[@user-ke6oh3ov2w]

This video helps me out so much. I had a cross wiring in my brain light him and I was getting confused what's hand to use of fork which hand to use a knife and I could do it equally. My hand writing was a little bit off from hand-to-hand but it's just the most amazing thing. I had a shoulder injury 22 years ago a change from my life forever and now I have a heart condition and the story goes on and on and on. It's just so difficult. I would really like to meet this doctor. When he got to the guy that has a problem with names. I had that same problem once took the entire presence for a couple of weeks and then I stopped taking them. I know my way around but I get names of people confused places. It's so frustrating.

[@paulinehiggins8239]

This was amazing and I’m a great believer in the power of the mind. I wish someone could tell me how to get rid of the arthritis pain in m6 knees, I know it can be done.

[@theresefournier3269]

Begin by rubbing the middle finger of your right hand ❣️ Daily🌹

[@lunalexington4464]

I have F.N.D functional neurological disorder.. my brain misfires and doesn’t send signals to the right parts of my body, when I am in full paralysis its like I’m locked in my own body 😢

[@JimmyEatsFood]

@@lunalexington4464 I have FND, too. I have mainly visual issues.

[@genericamerican7574]

I became a quadriplegic in 2009 when I had a massive eight inch intradural ependymoma in my neck and back. I was told I would never walk again and was lucky to talk and not need a ventilator. Then I had MRSA in my spinal fluid. I couldn’t even roll over without help. I had a craziest reflex in my left leg. I tried to wiggle my toe and did a power high kick. My other leg didn’t move. My left leg and foot will have all the muscles flex and I try to relax and I can’t. A leg I can’t feel is on fire. After being transported to an acute physical therapy facility I was diagnosed with CRPS2. They helped me get into a wheelchair and how to get out and I told them I wanted to try to walk and they did some experimental therapies that are now normal. I was taking my first step shortly before I left. It still took two more years with no more help to get stronger and learn how to walk without feeling my legs. It’s like I just have to be super focused on walking. Distracted I turn into a marionette with a string or two cut. Like walking on stilts. It’s worse now that it’s also with unmitigated acute pain. I’m struggling to breathe it hurts so much rn. Like being in labor every moment of everyday and the more I move the more it hurts. I never once blacked out when I took the medication treatment the neuropsychologist in the hospital told me I would need for the rest of my life. I managed to stop all the prns except one. But the pain has taken everything I suffered and worked so hard for. I wasn’t taken off of them because of me. It was because of how other people abused it. What has that got to do with me or anyone like me? My suffering didn’t fix anything.

[@kathymorris4553]

Very interesting, really enjoyed this, love anything with study of the brain

[@sonyagraske376]

IT TRULY WAS. I HUNG ON EVERY WORD.

[@judymiles7186]

Have you heard Robert Sapolsky lectures at Stanford? He's excellent.

[@jacksonlung9710]

Very useful and honest video. Thank you very much. Keep searching the realty.

[@EmilyW.isawakenotwoke]

This was a fantastic documentary. Tysm ,❤️🕊️🙏

[@wzupppp]

Is that Pajeet Degrasse Tyson?

[@colinhume365]

I was wondering what happened to Peter Sarsted

[@sameus11maximus]

Paneer Degrasse Singh

[@stephanierheadenniche]

😂

[@melaniefranklin7607]

I love you

[@wzupppp]

@@melaniefranklin7607 love you too💙

[@fancyfeast4610]

I already figured out the first guys brain had somewhat rewired itself before the Dr's hypothesis 😅 I am so smart ....S.MA.T

[@theWinterWalker]

Dr VC Ramachandran is the 🐐

[@lisaschuster686]

Doggie?

[@theWinterWalker]

@@lisaschuster686 goat greatest. Of. All. Time.

[@theWinterWalker]

Besides Dr Sapolsky 👌🏻 they're both 🤌🏻

[@ShifuAll]

This outcasting from the community is really taking a toll on neil degrass tyson.

[@earthsoundsuk]

hhow can it not be him

[@EvonMinella-f6h]

This was really helpful, thanks for sharing!

[@chrisreay77]

Thankful to Dotor Ramchandran when will treatment Be found for the exact region of the that causes pain

[@EricCalves]

45:19 - Books on Lying, lying, lying, lying…. then Holly Bible…!!! Absolutely perfect place for a “Holy Bible” - among books about LYING….!!!!! 😂👍

[@yochva]

Disappointingly, this 2001 episode of PBS NOVA, "Secrets of the Mind", has been cropped to strip it of its identifying logos and reposted here without mention of its original owner or airing date. Please be more honest when you share educational content - state of the art science has progressed far beyond the mark presented here.

[@paranoideye7104]

I lost my sense of smell somewhere between 18 & 19. While it doesnt hurt, i experience what i call phantom smells. My eyes or ears detect something im not totally aware of and suddenly i start smelling things... that arent there.🥴 Perhaps im thinking about a certain person or activity and will start smelling things associated with those thoughts. Like remembering a day on the lake as my father is refueling the tank with that specific smell of mixing the oil and gas! Or thinking of grandpa and smellimg his big stogies! Has anyone else experienced this? I was once in a diner and started smelling popcorn. When i tried to figure it out, it ended up being an order of corned beef hash on the grill popping up and hitting the metal lid that was over it, and it SOUNDED like popcorn to my subconscious mind, so i SMELLED popcorn. It gets wild.

[@petevenuti7355]

🎉 I experienced blindsight afterr a bicycle accident as a child. I laughed at something on the TV not knowing why I was laughing so no one believed me that I couldn't see it... Got taken to a phycologist instead of a hospital... Thank God it went away.

[@nicolehambleton9376]

I had a student with severe autism. He was missing his nerves connecting both his ears and eyes to his brain. However he preferred specific colors and responded to verbal direction.

[@theworldthroughmyeyes024]

This is great for rehab sciences. Thank you for uploading

[@suzannebrown2505]

Everything. It‘s an amazing organ with what seems like virtual possibile actions, thoughts, capabilitie, etc due to chemistry, genetics, hormones, learning, intillect, and activity that can change the function of behavior like accidents or disease.

[@joemeschke]

I suffered a brain injury and now have a left neglect from surgery so I completely understand the first story

[@2sidestothestory782]

My neurological condition has never been diagnosed by any of my neurological. I have a memory disorder, which I feel is caused by a problem with my hippocampus. I gradually lose all of my long-term memory. So I don't remember a single day of high school, university, almost all my friends who used to be close friends. I, for example, would bump into people who said they have known me for years, but I have no idea who they are. I can't remember a single day in my 2 previous homes l lived in for the past 20 years. More or less, my episodic memory is 90% gone. What happens is that I go to an everyday life event, after a month it starts to fade and 4 or more months it's almost gone. My short-term memory is horrible. If I go to a restaurant, supermarket, or anywhere else I should easily be able to find where I was before, I cannot because the visual benchmark that I used to remind me where I was doesn't say. If I try to learn a new skill for a job, something like playing a guitar, learning new education, anything that would require retention would not transfer to the long-term memory to become subconscious. It just won't be retained long enough to transfer to the long-term memory. I have to really concentrate to observe one thing at a time where everyone else can walk into a room and notice people, how the room is organized and different things in the room in a couple of minutes. My memory regarding historical events doesn't fade. I'll never forget who Einstein is and his contributions to science, how the solar system is organized, math, grammar, etc. I'm great with money, knowing when bills should be paid, remembering birthdays, doctors' appointments, etc. I don't have alzheimer's. This is not progressive. It's been there since I was 25 years old and isn't getting worse. Also, I've done an EEG, MRI, CT scan, and there was no damage to my brain. If you have any idea what this is or have a reference, send me a response. The past 7 neurologists I have seen and told them about this don't believe this condition exists. It's not in the Neurologist books. Dementia is in the is in th Neurologist books, so it exist to them. I guess someone have to figure out what I have, and put it in the Neurologist books. If you are a Neurologist that might know what I have please let me know. Please don't tell me stuff like getting enough sleep, exercising, nutrition, the usual stuff. Also I don't drink or smoke or am obese, high blood pressure, diabetes, family members with memory or anything else.

[@DogChowGurl]

Not a neurologist, just someone who instantly related to your experience(s). Like you, my episodic memory is nil. But in other rememberances, I seem to have quite the ability, almost as compensation, perhaps. I never contacted a stranger from the internet, but if you want to talk, I would love to talk to you.

[@S_puranik]

This neurological condition might be SDAM severely deficient autobiographical memory or Aphantasia

[@Salador1777]

Maybe it has to do with like, if nothing has touched your hand in a long time you still need to be able to sense stuff if it does, so it keeps that area active to make sure whenever a signal comes in it gets it right away because that's important.

[@veronicakalma5138]

I am so curious, now, to see how his research has led to medical care and practices. I want updates! 😅

[@HerpesTrismegisto]

They're all are mental conditions, except the last one. He simply might be more connected with the nature, spirituality and with an advanced sensitivity to his time...

[@TLEawareness]

Look up ecstatic seizures and the insula cortex.

[@hzoonka4203]

This is amazing to watch!Dr, VR is a Genius.

[@missyfaulker3797]

This is very interesting. I'm enjoying this episode!

[@AllFloatOn2112]

I would love to know the science behind depersonalisation/derealisation

[@user-ke6oh3ov2w]

I need to get ahold of this doctor because I have a condition. I think might help his theories and maybe more breakthrough

[@PEGGLORE]

I need to talk to this doctor. I think I have an infliction with my eye nobody else has. I've also had a stroke which has ruined my left side. Made my left side, both numb, and really painful, and all sorts. Before stroke I was a master of my body's neurons. Loads of video game world records, so would be this really good test subject as well. How do I talk to him?

[@teresathompson5874]

Amazing stories and amazing doctor. Thank you.

[@emese-tundetorok1135]

Interesting will look in to Dr. Vilayanur Ramachandran work.

[@skipmullen7047]

So I wonder about this blindsided happenings, in that those that are able to see paranormal beings have similar events in their brains?

[@Matheus-zp4mc]

Love it. Very very very interesting, thanks.