The human brain is the least understood human organ. It’s no wonder. It contains some 20 billion cells and apparently (to the extent we understand it) controls what we do, think, feel, and a myriad of other bodily functions we’re usually aren’t aware of.
Colloquially we talk about brain wiring, but that’s actually a pretty accurate description. Our brains contain more nerve fibers, or brain wires, than the number of wires in most countries’ telephone networks.
When the brain is damaged, for example during a stroke, this wiring can get mixed up. Most often the results are tragic, such as paralysis, dementia, memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, and a host of communication challenges.
Occasionally, though, a stroke can have more unusual outcomes.