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.

Instagram - @realstoriesdocs

[RealStories]

What do you find most fascinating about the human brain?

[kellilambert]

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

[shyuhway]

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

[saramcmahon]

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

[dyver]

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

[superbad]

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

[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.

[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.

[fatarsedfun]

Kudos to this Doctor, engaging, knowledgeable and passionate.

[jillrector]

Enjoy A TED Talk by Jill Bolte Taylor called “My stroke of insight”. As a brain anatomist, she experienced a stroke. Absolutely the best TED Talk ever.

[siriusness]

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.

[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.

[michaellawson]

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. 😃😇😄

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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😂

[jNRoss]

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! 🎉❤

[SueSA]

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.

[akiko]

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.