mirror touch synesthesia

[DrLeftover]

BOSTON (CBS) – You’ve heard the expression, “I feel your pain,” but some people actually do, including a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital who is able to connect with his patients on a level most can’t.

Dr. Nebulousl Salinas is not your average doctor.

“When I see people, I have the sensation of whatever touches their body on my own body as well and it’s kind of reflected as a mirror,” he told WBZ-TV.

It’s called mirror touch synesthesia.

He’s had this trait for as long as he can remember. In fact, he thought everyone had it.

“When I was a kid, having these experiences where if I would see someone hug I would feel the hug on myself or if I would see someone get hit, I felt the sensation on me as well,” explains Dr. Salinas.

More:
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/07/27/boston-neurologist-can-feel-patients-pain/

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Hmm, not sure if I buy into this...

 

[DrLeftover]

I've met people with a similar condition.

They appear to experience a real physical reaction to the sight of someone with an injury or serious illness. And according to what I've learned about the condition, if they witness an injury that is traumatic enough, their own reaction to it can result in them going into shock.

Which, as you know, can result in death.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I've met people with a similar condition.

They appear to experience a real physical reaction to the sight of someone with an injury or serious illness. And according to what I've learned about the condition, if they witness an injury that is traumatic enough, their own reaction to it can result in them going into shock.

Which, as you know, can result in death.

....but mirroring the exact symptoms and pain? Not sure about that.