Brain On Fire

The first time Cahalan seeks medical advice about the symptoms she experiences, her doctor is Dr. Bailey. As part of her examination, she is required to change into a cotton gown and place her jewelry in a lock box, so there is no interference with her MRI. The ring is a graduation gift from Allen, her stepfather, and “it was 14K gold with a black hematite cat’s eye, which some cultures believe can ward off evil spirits” (17). Cahalan is very uncomfortable during the examination and the MRI. After the MRI, Cahalan rushes to change and leave Dr. Bailey’s office quickly. In her haste, she leaves her jewelry, including this special ring, in the lock box with Dr. Bailey’s staff.

It is not until Cahalan is months into recovering from her illness that she discovers her ring in a pile of unopened mail from her Manhattan apartment. When Cahalan is reunited with her ring, she has been through a life-changing experience. Cahalan is relieved and happy to have her ring again. Cahalan had the ring when she was her former self. Cahalan has the ring again as a new version of herself. She believes the ring protects her and is able to return her to something like her old self.