In Paris, 19-year-old Augustine suffers a seizure that leaves her partially paralyzed and is sent to a hospital specializing in the then-fashionable ailment of 'hysteria'. She captures the attention of renowned neurologist Dr. Charcot after she has another attack that appears to give her intense physical pleasure. He begins using her as his principal subject, hypnotizing her in front of his fellow doctors. As she displays her spectacular fits, the lines between doctor and patient become blurred.