Woman gains unique skill after suffering a seizure

In October 2010, Michal Sklar, a 16-year-old from New York, experienced a grand mal seizure that left her with an unexpected ability to process words backwards. This skill emerged during her hospital stay and became a source of joy for her and her family. Sklar, now 32, shares her experience on social media, encouraging others to embrace their unique differences.

Woman gains unique skill after suffering a seizure
1 source
science Published Aug 7, 2026

Topic overview

In brief

  • In October 2010, Michal Sklar suffered a grand mal seizure at the age of 16.
  • After the seizure, she discovered her ability to process words backwards, which she named 'sdrawkcab.'
  • Sklar encourages others to embrace their unique differences and shares her experience on social media.

Summary

In October 2010, Michal Sklar, a 16-year-old from New York, experienced a grand mal seizure that left her terrified about her health. Following the seizure, which was idiopathic and unexplained by medical professionals, she found herself with an unusual ability to mentally process words in reverse. This unexpected skill emerged during her hospital stay, where she began to notice that she could understand and articulate words backwards. Despite the dramatic nature of her medical episode, Sklar initially dismissed this new ability as a mere curiosity. However, as time passed, she realized that this skill was not only unique but also a source of joy and amusement for her and her family.

Sklar's ability to reverse words, which she affectionately named 'sdrawkcab,' became a quirky party trick and an icebreaker in social situations. She shared her experience with friends and family, who found it both fascinating and entertaining. Although she did not initially mention this skill to her doctors, she later attempted to discuss it with her neurologist, who showed little interest in her newfound talent. This lack of acknowledgment did not deter Sklar, who continued to embrace her ability and even incorporated it into her family life.

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Updated Aug 7, 2026

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