The dura

The dura mater is the brain's personal bodyguard. Tough, fibrous, and uncomplaining, it cover of a treasured book. It doesn't get much limelight, but when something threatens it, the consequences can be swift and unforgiving.

- Dr MAZDA TUREL

In Latin, dura mater means 'tough mother, which feels entirely appropriate-it shields, endures, and doesn't complain. Until it has to.

One rainy night, a call came from the emergency department: A 48-year-old man, Kailash, had been found unconscious at home. His wife said he'd slipped in the bathroom that morning but insisted he had been fine after that. He had gone about his day, eaten lunch, taken a nap-and then he hadn't woken up.