In the past it was known as a 'massive stroke' and you simply died. But improved resuscitation techniques have now prolonged and refined the agony. You survive, but you survive with what is so aptly known as 'locked-in syndrome'.
- Jean-Dominique Bauby
Jean-Dominique Bauby quote from The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Bauby was a French journalist, author and editor who suffered a massive stroke in 1995 that left him with locked-in syndrome - a rare neurological condition that left his mind clear and alert but his body completely paralyzed. He could not move a single muscle except for his left eyelid.
Have loved THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY since I was young - I think a lot of French teenagers and young adults grew up with this book and its associated brain wisdom.