A Bomb in the Brain: A Heroic Tale of Science, Surgery, and Survival [Paperback]

Steve Fishman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A massive brain hemorrhage accompanied by excruciating pain and impaired vision in 1983 ended his coverage of the Nicaraguan revolution for the then 28-year-old journalist Fishman. He survived the misdiagnoses of doctors there, and the hazardous trip to a New York hospital. The author enriches his affecting account of his attack and surgery with reflections on the nature of pain and on hospital life and with portraits of the physicians and other medical personnel who cared for him. He discusses the evolution and technology of the scientific specialities such as radiology, neurology and micro-surgery involved in his surgery, a delicate, danger- and tension-fraught operation that was recorded on videotape. He later also witnessed a similar procedure performed by the same surgeon. Left with a permanent epileptic condition, Fishman writes poignantly that although he recovered, he will never be restored.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Traveling through Nicaragua, freelance journalist and former UPI editor Fishman was unaccountably stricken with a brain hemorrhage. After suffering excruciating pain, Fishman checked into a New York hospital where tests revealed an arteriovenous malformation; he was then, after surgery, diagnosed as having epilepsy. His account is an effective blend of medical history and current practice; the author skillfully shifts from detachment to intimacy as he recounts the impact of illness and medical wizardry on himself, his family and friends, and his doctors. His conclusions regarding neurosurgery may be controversial, but the story is highly moving. Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Avon Books (P) (March 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380708981
• ISBN-13: 978-0380708987
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,629,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish there were more books like this!, June 1, 2004

By 

Patti G. (White City, OR) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Bomb in the Brain (Hardcover)

As an AVM patient myself having gone through and surviving 2 brain hemorrhages, and 2 surgeries, life with an AVM is a lifelong rollercoaster ride that you can never get off of...it is both physically and emotionally devistating!
This book had a tremendous impact on my life reading it years ago, one that was life-changing and one that introduced me to many other AVM patients - 2 of these wonderful people are my friends for life...

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one to read, October 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Bomb in the Brain: A Heroic Tale of Science, Surgery, and Survival (Paperback)

This book is the book to read for anyone who has had brain surgre or has epilepsy. It is touching, poignant, and filled with information, from the surgeon's point of view and also from the patient's. Plus it's written as well as a good novel.