Head in the clouds
Introduction
“Head in the Clouds” was inspired by the neurological physical examination. The neuro exam is lengthy and tricky to master at first, but it provides great clues to localize the lesion.
In Figure 1, the excitement of the diagnostic puzzle is represented through vibrant colors and a whimsical array of patterns. Tucked behind a viridescent geometry in the top left corner, a single eye gazes steadily outward. Shocks of orange and yellow zigzag like sunbeams to the ground. Like the sun, the eye enables us to observe the world around us. Multiple cranial nerves control the eye, including vision, ocular movements, and eyelid elevation. A detailed optical exam can reveal acute processes in the brain and is thus critical in the comprehensive assessment.
Rightward, the six neurons in the background have a sunburst design. Each has a different color scheme and pattern, representing planetary bodies in the sky. The lake in the bottom left is in the shape of spinal cord cross-section. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting information from the body to the brain, and vice versa, at incredible speeds. I associated this with water, as waterways and channels have been utilized by civilizations throughout history as a means for transporting goods across cities. Similarly, in the lower right quadrant, the spine curves like a river. The scattered eyeball trees and reflex hammers pepper the landscape like trees, creating a curious effect.
In the foreground, the hot air balloon on the left is made of an “infinity loop”, a coil that connects forward and backward and involutes on itself. The hot air balloon on the right comprises many tiny bubbles. The passengers aboard each aircraft wave and point in excitement—after all, how fun is a hot air balloon ride? Both balloons signify the multitudes that exist within each of us, a continuous drive for innovation (in a sense, onwards and upwards), and the expanse of life and meaning in our world.
Neurology treats conditions that affect domains such as sight, movement, cognition, and personality—aspects of patients’ lives that are functional and deeply personal. Although the physical exam is important, the patient’s perspective is equally, if not more, paramount. As an aspiring neurologist, I hope to use art as a means of connection and provide a space where patients feel safe and seen during times of vulnerability.
Author’s statement
Lin Abigail (“Abbey”) Tan is a fourth-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in Medical Sciences. She is interested in creative writing, fine arts, medical education, and clinical neurology.
Acknowledgments
None.
Footnote
Provenance and Peer Review: This article was commissioned by the editorial office, Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy. The article did not undergo external peer review.
Funding: None.
Conflicts of Interest: The author has completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://cdt.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/cdt-2025-390/coif). L.A.T. has been a member of The Ohio State University College of Medicine Humanism and the Arts in Medicine student executive board for the past 3 years. This is an unpaid, volunteer position. The author has no other conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethical Statement: The author is accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
