Discover Magazine's Vital Signs

“Forty of the best medical case studies from Discover Magazine’s most popular column reveal wide-ranging medical symptoms that defy common diagnosis. Each case is written and researched with expertise by a medical specialist, but accessible and lively language make the main appeal a general readership. Cases include those of autoimmune disorders such as the woman whose skin was falling off as a result of a drug reaction, and the brain injuries of a former fighter pilot, a patient with mild epileptic seizures, and a child “with headaches and vision problems.” In one of the more memorable columns the unexplained death of a thirty-five-year-old male is ultimately traced to metal toxicity from inhaling fumes from heating mercury while extracting gold and silver from old dental fillings to pursue personal wealth. These widely diverse studies of real individuals reveal the complexity of the human body and the constant challenges, frustrations, and limitations medical professionals face. Though these medical mysteries may entice like a real-life episode of House, this is not one for the faint of heart or for hypochondriacs.”—Publishers Weekly“The 40 of the best medical case studies from Discover Magazine’s most popular column reveal wide-ranging medical symptoms that defy common diagnosis. Each case is written and researched with expertise by a medical specialist, but accessible and lively language make the main appeal a general readership. Cases include those of autoimmune disorders such as the woman whose skin was falling off as a result of a drug reaction, and the brain injuries of a former fighter pilot, a patient with mild epileptic seizures, and a child “with headaches and vision problems.” In one of the more memorable columns the unexplained death of a 35 year-old male is ultimately traced to metal toxicity from inhaling fumes from heating mercury while extracting gold and silver from old dental fillings to pursue personal wealth. These widely diverse studies of real individuals reveal the complexity of the human body and the constant challenges, frustrations, and limitations medical professionals face. Though these medical mysteries may entice like a real-life episode of House, this is not one for the faint of heart or for hypochondriacs.”—Publishers Weekly

Dr. Robert A. Norman is a board-certified dermatologist and an award-winning faculty member at five different medical schools. He has been a contributor to the “Vital Signs” section of Discover for the past twelve years. He has written over twenty books, including The Woman Who Lost Her Skin (and Other Dermatological Tales) and 100 Questions and Answers on Aging Skin. His popular weekly radio show “Doc Talk” has provided expert advice and compelling medical stories for more than two years. Dr. Norman lives in Hillsborough County, Florida.