Unsolved Medical Mysteries: Explaining the Unexplainable

This course opens with one of the most frightening—but thankfully also one of the rarest—medical mysteries: aquagenic urticaria, a.k.a., a water allergy. After surveying the properties of solvents in general and water in particular, Dr. Schillace walks through what happens when the autoimmune system goes haywire.

Step back to the 14th century, when King Charles VI of France believed his body was made of glass and could shatter. Is it possible for the human body to turn to glass? What else could have plagued the king? Consider the biological phenomenon of brittle-bone disease and the psychological condition of hypochondria.

Continue your study of mind over matter with a look at Morgellons disease, which has sparked debate for nearly 400 years. Marked by fibers under the skin, this mysterious condition has often been dismissed as a delusion, underscoring the rift between the patient experience and medical skepticism.

The connection between body and mind is fascinating, especially when you explore the relationship between the two hemispheres in the brain. Here, reflect on dissociative identity disorder, alien hand syndrome, and other illnesses that arise when the two halves of the brain are not operating in sync.

Migraines affect millions of people every year. Despite how common this ailment is, scientists remain baffled by what causes it: Genetic anomalies? Cortical misfires? Dr. Schillace walks you through the science of these debilitating occurrences, with the unfortunate conclusion that, despite breakthroughs in neuroscience, migraines remain a mystery.

Human memory is a dynamic process entwined with the biology of the brain. Your way into this captivating subject is “prosopagnosia” (face blindness). The lecture then turns to memory issues ranging from Alzheimer’s to photographic recall as well as the relationship between memory and decision-making.

Shift your attention from the individual to the collective with a look at a mesmerizing incident in Strasbourg, France. In 1518, up to 400 citizens began to dance uncontrollably. Although “dancing plagues” have disappeared, mass hysteria remains, including the 2016 case of Havana syndrome.

Delve into the world of sleep—or lack thereof. This lecture explores mysterious sleep disorders such as Kleine-Levin syndrome, in which sufferers may sleep up to 20 hours a day; narcolepsy, which involves sudden sleep attacks; and resignation syndrome, a condition of psychosomatic distress. See how the brain protects itself against trauma.

Too much sleep is one problem, but crushing fatigue and brain fog can be just as debilitating. Here, examine conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and long Covid. Consider the biological mechanisms at work, including viral infections and the immune system’s response.

Stiff person syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder causing muscle stiffness, spasms, and eventually immobility. Walk through several case studies of this perplexing condition—including singer Celine Dion—to explore possible causes and treatments. Although it remains a mystery, recent advocacy efforts have brought this condition out of the shadows.

Ever fear premature burial or believe you are already dead? An active imagination may be common, but tachiphobia (fear of being buried alive) and Cotard’s syndrome (the delusion of death) are medical mysteries of the first order. Buckle up for a riveting tour of the brain in this eerie lecture.

Your course concludes with a look at tree man syndrome, a rare but crippling condition that transforms skin into bark-like growths. Fortunately, scientists have connected this syndrome with the human papillomavirus (HPV), offering clues for prevention and treatment. But as you’ll see, plenty of medical mysteries still abound!