From Neil's perspective, the next minute simply disappears. Looking back, he assumes he must have blacked out. Nothing registers in his memory. There's only static on the line.

When he comes to, the entire front of his head feels like it is on fire, every pain receptor screaming at him to stop. Stop whatever madness is causing this, to flail and fight the source. Fortunately, his efforts at concentrating serve him well; Neil manages to neither jolt nor scream during the process.

He is, however, gripping the edge of the gurney with the strength of a deathclaw strung out on Buffout. Consequently, the metal starts to bend and crack.