One of the central themes is how neurological disorders transform identity. Interestingly, the author notes that memories tied to affection often prove more resilient against the passage of time and disease than factual data.

The title refers to the literal and metaphorical "breaking" of the brain due to trauma or neurodegenerative diseases. Martínez-Horta argues that when a brain "breaks," it isn't just a biological malfunction; it is the fracturing of a person's history, personality, and future.

The book functions as a manual of neuropsychology, linking clinical symptoms to neuroanatomy through real-world cases.