Locked in: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite All in the Mind programsLocked in: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite All in the Mind programs
All In The Mind
At the age of 12 Martin Pistorius developed a mysterious neurological illness. He fell into a coma and was unable to move or communicate. It was assumed he had no awareness but a couple of years later he began to wake up—yet no-one knew. He was trapped inside his body for almost 10 years until he found a way to communicate. Using computer-generated voice technology he tells us about how he coped with this terrifying ordeal, and how he found the love of his life.
29:08•29 Nov 2020
Martin Pistorius: Finding Hope in a Decade of Silence
“I'd say that feeling of complete and utter powerlessness is probably the worst feeling I have ever experienced and, if I can help it, I never want to experience again.”
Imagine being fully aware but unable to move or communicate, trapped in your own body for nearly a decade. This is the reality Martin Pistorius faced when he fell into a coma at the age of 12 due to a mysterious neurological illness. In this compelling episode of 'All In The Mind', host Lynne Malcolm revisits one of her most memorable interviews, where Martin shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey.
He reveals how he began to regain consciousness after a couple of years but remained unable to convey his awareness to those around him. Through the use of computer-generated voice technology, Martin narrates his experiences of isolation, the mental strategies he employed to cope, and the incredible moment he found love despite his circumstances. Adding depth to this episode, renowned neuroscientist Adrian Owen discusses his groundbreaking work on testing awareness in patients diagnosed with persistent vegetative states.
His research offers a glimmer of hope for those deemed unreachable, using yes and no questions paired with brain activity patterns. Martin's story is not just about survival; it's about the human spirit's resilience and the quest for connection and independence. He dreams of owning a home tailored to his needs and starting a family, aspirations that keep him moving forward. This episode is a poignant reminder of the importance of being seen and heard, no matter the obstacles.
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