I was just wondering if anyone else watched the NatGeo show on the Indian girl named Twinkle who supposedly bleeds from her eyes, scalp, chest and other parts of her body.

There seems to be much controversy over whether or not she has a bona fide condition.  Some believe she is possessed,  a  manifestation of something divine or is simply acting out in a most dramatic way etc.

Many who have seen the show are upset with NatGeo for presenting something this, at least according to the Nat Geo Community blog. 

http://ngccommunity.nationalgeographic.com/ngcblogs/inside-ngc/2009/09/filming-the-girl-who-cries-blood.html#comment-138288

I must admit that I agree with many of the posts there in that both the presentation and the research into this supposed unknown phenomenon was quite shoddy for a channel known for showing thought-provoking subject matter.  I also felt that initially, the Doctor was rather condescending and probably knew from the get go that there was some type of fraud going on. 

Even watching the coming attractions, I could see that the bleeding was not coming out of her eyes or tear ducts, but would start just under the lower eyelids.  In addition, a lot of the blood looked like it had been smeared on, rather than having a normal bleeding out pattern.

The American hemotologist sent to examine her, Dr. George Buchanan, has come to the conclusion that this is a possible case of Munchausen Syndrome.  His Q & A session can be read here:

http://ngccommunity.nationalgeographic.com/ngcblogs/inside-ngc/2009/09/filming-the-girl-who-cries-blood.html#comment-138288

Since the bleeding has never initiated in front of anyone and people are called to witness it only after the fact, one immediately thinks "hoax".  Because all her medical testing has come out normal, some have suggested that video cams be set up to watch her 24/7, but IMO if this were done, there would be no bleeding sessions.  The only way would be to place the cameras in hidden areas without her knowledge to possibly catch her in the act, and there is little likelihood of that occurring.

At any rate, I feel sorry if the child is doing this for attention, with no actual medical condition involved.  If this is the case, she certainly has gotten more than her 15 minutes of fame.  I feel that she might be doing this to avoid going to school, since Dr. Buchanan's recommendation was for her to return to classes.  But according to the last reports, she has refused to do so, and I feel this is at the core of her behavior.

The show will be aired again on September 20 at 2 pm in case anyone would like to see it. If someone has seen it and has some opinions, I would be interested in learning your take on this supposed phenomenon.  Teenagers do the strangest things!