Being your own science experiment
I am listening to "My Stroke of Insight," by a neuroanatomist who had a severe stroke (but who recovered apparently fully). Luckily, because of where the stroke hit, part of her experience was a feeling of vast peace, probably because of the intermittent failure of 'brain chatter,' but she was able in her clear moments to realize and take steps to call for help. However, when she first realized the odd feeling was a stroke-- when her arm went numb-- her first reaction (as she recalls) was "I'm having a stroke! ... Wow, this is so cool!... Wow, how many scientists have the opportunity to study their own brain function and mental deterioration from the inside out?"