Nails And The Human Brain (Part 1)

Here are a couple wonderful instances of people accidentally or intentionally driving nails deep into their gray matter. Can't get enough nails in the brain? Don't worry—I'll post another couple tomorrow.

Here are a couple wonderful instances of people accidentally or intentionally driving nails deep into their gray matter. Can't get enough nails in the brain? Don't worry—I'll post another couple tomorrow.

• On January 12, 2005, 23-year-old construction worker Patrick Lawler went to the dentist complaining of a toothache. After six days of eating ice cream to help the swelling, Lawler felt it was finally time to seek help. The dentist found a four-inch nail embedded in Lawler's brain, next to his right eye. Apparently, Lawler had fired a nail gun through a piece of rotten wood but didn't realize the nail had shot clean through the wood and then through the roof of his open mouth. Surgery removed the nail and Lawler recovered fully.

• In 2006, a 33-year-old man in Portland, Oregon went to the emergency room complaining of a headache. Doctors found 12 two-inch nails embedded in the man's head. The man had been high on methamphetamines and suicidal when he'd used a nail gun to fire the nails into his head the previous night. Doctors pulled the nails with needle-nosed pliers and a drill. The man recovered fully.

My new book came out August 3rd. I'm really proud of it. I worked hard to find the most fascinating research, the best neuroscience, the coolest puzzles and games, and—of course—a smattering of wretched puns. Would you consider buying a copy of Brain Candy? If not, I know where you live and will send someone to break your kneecaps. Cheers. Garth.

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