Awakenings Analysis

The movie, Awakenings, is based on a book written by Dr. Oliver Sacks about the real-life account of the patients afflicted with encephalitis lethargica (EL) and their amazing recovery through the drug L-Dopa. Still of unknown origin, encephalitis lethargica is thought to be caused by an autoimmune response to a diplococci infection, namely the attachment of self IgG antibodies to the basal ganglia and midbrain—regions that utilized the neurotransmitter, dopamine—, thereby marking these regions for destruction by one’s own immune system. Thus, the victims are left motionless in a catatonic state. The administration of high doses of L-Dopa, a drug used to alleviate the symptoms exhibited by Parkinson’s disease sufferers, counteracts this when it is converted into dopamine that localizes in the basal ganglia. Thus, EL patients are capable of functioning just as they had prior to acquiring the disease.

I found this film to be very interesting because it illustrates just how complex the human body truly is. The causes of EL were certainly a mystery, and the fact that there is still no clear answer to this question today is certainly quite intriguing. Prior to doing research on L-Dopa and its effects on EL patients, I was mystified by this miracle drug. Now that the biochemical components have been elucidated, I still maintain the same level of amazement, only this time, more so because of the fact that something so seemingly minute, like a neurotransmitter, could have such a profound impact on a human being.

Something I found disturbing about this film was the doctors’ treatment of EL and other “chronic” patients. When Dr. Sayer began to make critical observations about the patients and their mannerisms, the other doctors scoffed at him. Moreover, the head of the neurology department initially denied the administration of L-Dopa on the EL patients, even after Dr. Sayer had proven it was beneficial to Leonard Lowe. As an aspiring physician, this appalled me because as a doctor, the head of the neurology’s primary responsibility was to his patients, regardless of their conditions. To deprive them of something beneficial would have been unethical.

Also, I agree with Burd when she states that this movie really puts daily life into perspective for the healthy viewer. We have all been blessed with good health and great families and friends. Watching the EL patients wake up from their catatonic state, only to find that their worlds were not as they left it was truly heartbreaking. I, personally, could not fathom being placed in a similar position.