This quote prompts reflection on the way we categorize and understand medical conditions, particularly neurological disorders like migraines and epilepsy. The speaker questions the criteria used to label an intense, although brief, episode as one thing rather than another—highlighting the fluidity and sometimes arbitrary nature of medical terminology. From a broader perspective, this invites us to consider how language shapes our perception of ailments: a 'migraine' might be perceived as a sharp and transient pain, but when such episodes are frequent or severe, they can be misinterpreted or misclassified, impacting treatment choices and patient experience. The comparison to 'extended epilepsy' underscores the challenge in distinguishing between different neurological phenomena, especially when symptoms overlap or vary in presentation. Oliver Sacks often explored the complexity of neurological disorders, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual cases in depth rather than relying solely on broad labels. This quote encourages clinicians and patients alike to question rigid diagnostic boundaries and recognize the nuanced spectrum of neurological experiences. Such reflection is essential for advancing personalized medicine, where the goal is to move beyond simplistic classifications towards a more empathetic, detailed understanding of what individuals endure. It also highlights the importance of linguistic precision in medicine—not just for clarity in scientific communication, but for compassion in caregiving, acknowledging that each episode can be unique and deserving of careful consideration and respect.