Dr. Sacks was someone who really was a pioneer. As a researcher, his case studies of individuals led to great discoveries. He was passionate about finding answers to help families and patients. In the end, as he talks, he is a rare and nearly extinct physician: one who cares enough to takes the time to search for answers, to look at the patient as an individual, and spend time with them in order to find treatment for them. Today, after a 45 minute appointment, doctors are dismissive, particularly of women patients with multiple TBIs, if you aren't a professional athlete or veteran. They rely on computer testing rather than traditional diagnostic interviewing, and likely to diagnose with conversion disorder or other psychiatric disorder if a woman doesn't recover within "their" time frame.
After a coma inducing brain injury, some twenty years ago, I've found having been a drummer, has directed my rehabilitation. Drumming, according to my brain doctor, was a major factor in my high-functional recovery. This has also led to my founding of Groovism; the belief in the power of music to rehabilitate. This power, technology has globalized will put our musical instinct in proliferation overdrive! Groovists believe that Groove energy of billions of people for a sufficient amount of time, will instigate our evolutionary purpose
I love listening to Dr. Sacks. I've known of him since I was seven years old. I made it out to NYU to see Dr. Devinsky/ Chong. Dr. Chong told me Dr. Sacks had been in the office only days before. Though I'd love to see Dr. Devinsky again, I have no health insurance. It would be great to see them again somehow. If only Dr. Geschwind was around, as a lefthander with neuro problems I find his theory of handedness facsinating.
I hope some of us who realise the importance of this can form a study and eventually research group. This area needs.movement after Dr Sach's passing. I, for one, would like to take up this. I'm a public Health worker and am trainee Therapist, will take more biochem courses and see where it leads. Anyone else interested (could be a part of rehab for those recovering and able) drop a comment.
Had to stop it here (around 7.40mins): Sacks has lost it (like I do with my brain injury) and he ISN'T answering the question! He eventually talks about alzheimers and research but (as yet, maybe later, I HOPE) = NOTHING about what WE NEED: early correct diagnosis, IMMEDIATE rehab, adjustments (max possible) to help us keep our job/stay in work/get back to work (if possible) PLUS: info, support & HELP for person AND their family. Brain injury effects EVERY facet of our lives and our difficulties/disability is very 'invisible' - except to REAL experts, I'm sure Sacks is (he appears to be, is said to be?). Maybe he's leaving this bit til later (wish there was a transcript: easier to read than listen, quicker for me too) or maybe he (also?) leaves it to those of us WITH brain injury to tell it how it is and how lack of these services FEEL? But Sacks' voice and OUTRAGE at lack of services (maybe he does?) to help all of us saved by docs/medicine but then ABANDONED by social services/state to a desert, a nomansland, a HELL trying to survive (let alone LIVE a LIFE) devoid (word?) of help/aid those with more obvious physical disabilities get (though I know THAT very poor too). Sacks has done SO much to enlighten the world on our experiences and disabilities for which I thank him! I'll carry on trying to listen now. But nice to hear Sacks do once what I do loads: lose it, forget the question. We (all?) need a reminder sometimes: answer the question please, stick to the point, repeat the question if necessary. I know I lose it loads now: annoying for others, hard work for me. Oh, a thought: is he teaching others about our problems by example, an illustration?!
