"Shocks in The Brain"

      Early in July 2018, I was patiently waiting for my WASSCE results while enjoying my lovely vacation. My earlier vacations were all utilized to write Nov/Dec exams, so this was my first long holiday in the last three years. Additionally, my third year in Senior High School was the epitome of stress, so I desperately needed this break. I remember enjoying that vacation until this happened. 

      I recall having a headache the previous day. I decided to rest, believing very well that after that good rest, I'll be fine. I assumed that I'd probably been staring at screens too much. We are all aware that excessive screen time, whether on a phone, tablet, or computer, can lead to digital eyestrain, a major headache trigger. Excessive screen time can trigger or exacerbate headaches. The eyes become fatigued when forced to focus on an object for too long. This can be a recipe for a headache or migraine caused by digital eyestrain when combined with the bright brightness and blue lights associated with screens. Although it may seem challenging to enact healthy screen time limits, we should try our best to look away from our screens occasionally. It would make a big difference. 

     Now, if you have been reading my stories, you will realize my family has a "warrior's perception" within us. We believe we can genuinely overcome everything. I did not consider taking any medication—not even Paracemotol—when I experienced a headache. You should be aware that this kind of perception has both a positive and a harmful side. The upside is that you start to exert maximum effort. For instance, if I could endure this headache without taking any medication, my cells would have developed a natural defense mechanism against it, which is excellent. The problem with this viewpoint is that sometimes you need assistance but mistakenly believe you don't and end up worsening the case.

    Sometimes, people detect an un-comfortability within themselves; instead of reporting it, they don't, and by the time they realize it is severe, the damage would have already been caused. Well, I almost lost one of my lungs because of this (I'll surely release that story soon); not everyone will be lucky as I was. It is advisable to visit the hospital as early as possible. From my little knowledge about diseases, I know that early detection always helps your chances of surviving.

     Let's get back to today's story. After resting that day, I noticed the headache worsened as the hours passed. I still had not taken any medicine (yes, I was very stubborn). The next day, when I woke up, still with a headache, something unexpected happened to me. I was lying on the bed when, without my awareness, something electrified in my brain, causing my entire body—including my hands, legs, and everything else—to move. "Ah, what is this," I said to myself. Well, since it only happened once, I wasn't too concerned. It returned ten minutes later, and this time I was truly terrified. It also came with sharp pain. The pain lasted less than 5 seconds, but it was unbearable. Suppose that pain lasted for a minute continuously. I doubt I would be here to share this experience. God is really good.  

       Let me use a few instances to conjure an image in your mind for you, my dear readers. In movies, doctors use an Iron-like device on the patient's chest to revive them when they are on the verge of death. Every time I felt the shock, I reacted the same way the body does when the instrument is placed on it. The device is called an automated external defibrillator (AED). It is battery-operated and has defibrillator pads that are put to the chest to reset the heart's normal electrical current by passing it to the heart. This explains the scenario. However, the best illustration I can provide is when you realize you have neglected to do something and get out of bed immediately. For example, you forget to wash your clothes, turn off the gas, or clean your house (knowing your Mom will be back soon). Considering these examples, it's safe to say that we've all experienced "Shocks in the Brain" at least once. The only difference is you probably had yours without discomfort. 

     The interval between each shock got shorter and shorter. My parents became alarmed after I told them.  Around 7 pm, the gap between each shock was as low as 30 seconds. That night, My parents laid me on their enormous bed. My Dad held my left hand, my Mom my right hand, and my older brother held my legs. I was in such agony. They held me down to prevent my upward movement and were praying simultaneously. Writing this story, I can imagine how they felt then. They probably would ask themselves, "What sort of disease is this that we have to hold Gabriel down like a Madman?"

       I need to make time to question them about these experiences and report on how they felt. This continued for hours. I don't remember when I fell asleep, but I felt weaker and weaker as it continued. I'm positive I dozed off when my brain became too worn out. 

       When I woke up the following day, I felt a little better. The shocks were still coming, though. My Dad sent me to the hospital. I was so scared. I thought the doctor would say I had a brain tumor because, in my mind, what else would it be? When I entered the visitation room and told the doctor my predicament, he didn't seem worried. Wow, so the doctor is aware of brain shocks, I thought to myself. He handled himself as though the situation were ordinary. I anticipated he would give me a surprised look or something similar. After I told him, he immediately wrote down certain medications I should buy and advised me that if I continued to get these shocks after taking the medicines, they would scan my brain. He gave the impression that it was a common case, which was reassuring to me, but his final statement still made me nervous and did not keep my mind at ease. Growing up, I learned that what I had was called 'Brain Zaps,' and it wasn't that uncommon. 

       My aunt suggested that I travel to Obuasi to visit them and also get some rest. I clearly remember that day because the day I arrived in Obuasi was the day France defeated Croatia in the World Cup final. By God's Grace, I stopped experiencing the shocks after taking the medications. 

      The fact that I was fine after taking the drugs does not imply that the healing was caused solely by the medicines. I know God used the medications to heal me. We live in a world where there is a conspiracy over whether people should pray or buy medicine when ill. You should, in my opinion, do both rather than just one. 

      If you haven't read my other stories, you can find them at the top left corner of the page. Don't forget to share. The next story will be released on Friday. 

Image taken from:

<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/3d-brain-with-lightening_6214247.htm#query=shocks%20in%20the%20brain&position=36&from_view=search&track=ais">Image by kjpargeter</a> on Freepik