What happened to Patrick Charnley?

Patrick Charnley suffered a cardiac arrest at age 39, remaining clinically dead for 40 minutes before being revived.

What were the effects of Patrick Charnley's cardiac arrest?

He awoke with a brain injury affecting his sight, memory, and stamina, experiencing symptoms like partial blindness and severe fatigue.

How did the cardiac arrest change Patrick Charnley's life?

Despite limitations, he now appreciates life more, has changed careers to become an author, and feels his existence is richer and his family bonds are stronger.

Home / Health / Clinically Dead for 40 Mins: Lawyer's Radical New Perspective

Clinically Dead for 40 Mins: Lawyer's Radical New Perspective

12 Feb

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Summary

A 39-year-old lawyer suffered cardiac arrest due to a hereditary condition.
He was clinically dead for 40 minutes before paramedics revived him.
He now appreciates life more and prefers his changed existence.

Clinically Dead for 40 Mins: Lawyer's Radical New Perspective

Patrick Charnley, a once high-flying lawyer, experienced a life-altering event in 2021 when he suffered a cardiac arrest at age 39. Triggered by a hereditary condition, his heart stopped, leaving him clinically dead for 40 minutes. Paramedics' efforts, including defibrillation and adrenaline shots, eventually revived him.

He awoke from a week-long coma with a brain injury impacting his vision, memory, and stamina. Initially experiencing blindness and vivid hallucinations due to Charles Bonnet Syndrome, his sight has since partially returned, though his cognitive functions remain affected. Severe fatigue is a daily challenge, and he experienced pathological apathy.

Despite the trauma, Patrick views his near-death experience as a positive transformation. He has changed careers to become an author and now cherishes life's slower moments, appreciating beauty more than before. His relationships have deepened, fostering a closer family bond. Patrick expresses gratitude for his new, richer existence.