**Unexplained Reverse Thinking: A Woman’s Ongoing Mystery 16 Years After a Seizure**
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On the cusp of her 17th birthday, Michal Sklar experienced a life-altering event that would lead her down an unusual and unexplained path. The once-assured student president of her high school found herself in a desperate situation during an assembly in October 2010. As she stood to introduce a speaker, she unexpectedly suffered a grand mal seizure in front of her peers, an incident that would keep her hospitalised for nearly a week.
Reflecting on the incident, Sklar, who is now 32 years old, recalls having no prior history of seizures and, fortunately, has not experienced one since that day. “There were a lot of monitors around me,” she told PEOPLE magazine recently. “It’s odd, as I had no warning or symptoms leading up to the seizure.” Despite undergoing a series of tests, including EEGs and MRIs, doctors could not determine a cause, classifying the seizure as idiopathic.
Strange developments soon emerged during her hospital stay. Michal noticed that her brain seemed to be processing the statements of doctors and nurses in reverse order. “I felt as though my mind was automatically flipping everything I heard,” she explained, finding the phenomenon both bewildering and disconcerting. In a setting already fraught with anxiety, the timing of this unusual cognitive processing felt alarming.
Once she returned home, the odd trait persisted. Words, phrases, and even melodies would run through her mind backwards, a curious twist for someone passionate about language. “It was as if my relationship with words had been flipped on its head,” she added. Although initially disconcerting, Michal slowly began to regain control over this quirk and was eager to share her experience with a neurologist, hoping for insight or validation.
However, her meeting with the neurologist proved frustrating. In a show of determination, Sklar attempted to demonstrate her unique ability by reading documents backwards, only to be met with indifference. “I can still vividly recall the feeling of exasperation,” she said, noting that the lack of interest in her condition disheartened her. With her impressive ability seemingly unrecognised, Michal continued to navigate her life while embracing this peculiarity.
Years later, in 2017, a researcher reached out to her. Dr. Dianne Newbury from Oxford Brookes University contacted Sklar via Twitter, inviting her to participate in a study focused on individuals who process language in reverse. This opportunity culminated in a 2018 visit from researcher Dr. Hayley Moutford, who conducted a series of cognitive exercises with Sklar. “Being part of this formal research project was incredibly rewarding,” she remarked, noting the validation the experience provided.
Despite the academic interest in her skills, Michal has not engaged in further evaluations stemming from her condition since the study. Her recent posts on TikTok have garnered widespread attention, with over 4.1 million views, igniting curiosity about her unique brain function. Yet, the response has not intensified her urgency to uncover an explanation for her ability. “It’s been a surreal experience, realising how unusual my life seems to others,” she reflected.
While the mystery remains, Sklar maintains an open mind about the possibility of further research into her condition. She stated, “I am definitely interested in collaborating with neurologists or researchers who want to explore this backwards processing. It would be fascinating to delve into what is happening in my brain.” With her blend of curiosity and acceptance, Michal Sklar continues to navigate the complexities of her unique cognitive experience, leaving many to ponder the enigma of her reversal of thought.