This hat/helmet, with its tongue display and electrodes, acts as a sensor of movement in two planes thus giving Cheryl the ability to orient herself in space, thereby losing the terrible vertigo that led to wobbling. Enter Paul Bach-y-Rita and his team who have invented a hat. The genetically hardwired processing molecules necessary to feel balance cannot be replaced and there is no cure. It is not surprising that many “wobblers” have committed suicide.Īccording to localization theory Cheryl’s case is hopeless. They behave and look like they are walking a tight rope. Such people are called “wobblers” because that is what they do. This excruciating disorder due to total loss of vestibular apparatus makes her life a living hell. And when she does fall, there is no relief for she still feels like she is falling perpetually into an abyss. She must hold on to the wall to walk, but even that does not steady her.

In chapter 1, we meet Cheryl, a woman who has completely lost her sense of balance. Doidge does is introduce these scientists and their work with an ease and grace that brings the reader into their world and work. We meet the patients, scientists and researchers who have pioneered this voyage from brain localization theory (localizationism) to the understanding of brain plasticity. In my mind this is a huge leap in the history of mankind – far greater than landing on the moon – and it is of vital interest for the practice of psychoanalysis among other equally important things. The long-held theory that brain functions were localized and specialized has now evolved to embrace the recognition that the brain is plastic and can actually change itself with exercise and understanding. Doidge gives new hope to everyone from the youngest to the oldest among us from the stroke victim to the person born with brain abnormality from those who can not seem to learn to those whose neurotic suffering has stunted growth through denial and other defenses and from those who cannot feel to those who feel too much. Contrary to the original belief that after childhood the brain begins a long process of decline, he shows us that our brains have the remarkable power to grow, change, overcome disabilities, learn, recover, and alter the very culture that has the potential to deeply affect human nature.Ĭlear, fascinating, and gripping is how I would describe this invitation to understand how the brain can work. Doidge takes the reader by the hand and carefully explains that the brain can and does change throughout life. Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, writer, and researcher Norman Doidge delivers a revolutionary message in The Brain That Changes Itself, a very important and informative book that should be read by all.

The brain that changes itself chapters