Abstract
Canadian biopsychologist, John Pinel developed an acoustic neuroma, but it was not diagnosed by his family physician. Because of his training and experience as a biopsychologist, Professor Pinel was able to diagnose his own tumor. The tumor was subsequently excised, but not without life-threatening complications. Professor Pinel subsequently designed his own program of rehabilitation based on recent research on neuroplasticity, and his recovery was excellent. In this article, Professor Pinel relates his tumor-related experiences. Two aspects of Professor Pinel's experiences are emphasized. First, he emphasizes ways in which he reacted to his tumor and treatment that were unconventional because of his years of experience as a professor of biopsychology. Second, he emphasizes important insights that he learned from his personal brain-related experiences—things that he did not fully appreciate, despite his considerable experience as a teacher and researcher of biopsychology.
