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== Overview ==
The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek ''epilepsia'', which in turn can be broken in to ''epi-'' (upon) and ''lepsis'' (to take hold of, or seizure). In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession. Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a [[brain]] disease. Boerhaave was the first person who differentiate [[petit mal epilepsy]], [[grand mal epilepsy]] and [[hysteria]]. Marshall Hall described reflex theory in which paroxysmal nervous discharges are responsible for epilepsy [[Seizure|seizures]]. The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in [[skull bones]] was done in order to treat epilepsy. In the past three decades [[anti-epileptic drugs]] are used widely for [[Symptom|symptomatic]] control of epileptic patients.
 
==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==
The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek ''epilepsia'', which in turn can be broken in to ''epi-'' (upon) and ''lepsis'' (to take hold of, or seizure)<ref name="etymology">{{cite web
 
=== Discovery ===
* The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek ''epilepsia'', which in turn can be broken in to ''epi-'' (upon) and ''lepsis'' (to take hold of, or seizure)<ref name="etymology">{{cite web
| last =Harper
| last =Harper
| first =Douglas
| first =Douglas
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| work =Online Etymological Dictionary
| work =Online Etymological Dictionary
| accessdate =2005-06-05
| accessdate =2005-06-05
}}</ref> In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession. In ancient times, epilepsy was known as the "Sacred Disease" because people thought that epileptic seizures were a form of attack by demons, or that the visions experienced by persons with epilepsy were sent by the gods.  Among animist Hmong families, for example, epilepsy was understood as an attack by an evil spirit, but the affected person could become revered as a shaman through these otherworldly experiences.[http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063680870.html]
}}</ref>  
* In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession.  
* In ancient times, epilepsy was known as the "Sacred Disease" because people thought that epileptic [[Seizure|seizures]] were a form of attack by demons, or that the [[Vision|visions]] experienced by persons with epilepsy were sent by the Gods.   
* Among animist Hmong families, for example, epilepsy was understood as an attack by an evil spirit, but the affected person could become revered as a shaman through these otherworldly experiences.[http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063680870.html]


However, in most cultures, persons with epilepsy have been stigmatized, shunned, or even imprisoned; in the Salpêtrière, the birthplace of modern neurology, [[Jean-Martin Charcot]] found people with epilepsy side-by-side with the mentally retarded, those with chronic [[syphilis]], and the criminally insane.  In Tanzania to this day, as with other parts of Africa, epilepsy is associated with possession by evil spirits, witchcraft, or poisoning and is believed by many to be contagious.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10080524&dopt=Abstract Morbus sacer in Africa: some religious aspects of epilepsy in traditional cultures.] Jilek-Aall L. PMID: 10080524 Retrieved 8 October 2006. </ref> In ancient Rome, epilepsy was known as the ''Morbus Comitialis'' ('disease of the assembly hall') and was seen as a curse from the gods.
* However, in most cultures, persons with epilepsy have been stigmatized, shunned, or even imprisoned.
* In the Salpêtrière, the birthplace of modern [[neurology]], [[Jean-Martin Charcot]] found people with epilepsy side-by-side with the [[Mental retardation|mentally retarded]], those with chronic [[syphilis]], and the criminally insane.   
* In Tanzania to this day, as with other parts of Africa, epilepsy is associated with possession by evil spirits, witchcraft, or poisoning and is believed by many to be [[contagious]].<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10080524&dopt=Abstract Morbus sacer in Africa: some religious aspects of epilepsy in traditional cultures.] Jilek-Aall L. PMID: 10080524 Retrieved 8 October 2006. </ref>  
* In ancient Rome, epilepsy was known as the ''Morbus Comitialis'' ('disease of the assembly hall') and was seen as a curse from the gods.


Stigma continues to this day, in both the public and private spheres, but polls suggest it is generally decreasing with time, at least in the developed world; [[Hippocrates]] remarked that epilepsy would cease to be considered divine the day it was understood.<ref name="Hippocrates">Hippocrates [http://quote.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocrates quotes]</ref>
* Stigma continues to this day, in both the public and private spheres, but polls suggest it is generally decreasing with time, at least in the developed world.
* [[Hippocrates]] remarked that epilepsy would cease to be considered divine the day it was understood.<ref name="Hippocrates">Hippocrates [http://quote.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocrates quotes]</ref>


=== Legal implications ===
* Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a [[brain]] disease.
Most people diagnosed with epilepsy are forbidden by their local laws from operating vehicles. However, there are usually exceptions for those who can prove that they have stabilized their condition. Those few whose seizures do not cause impairment of consciousness, or whose seizures only arise from sleep, may be exempt from such restrictions, depending on local laws. There is an ongoing debate in [[bioethics]] over ''who'' should bear the burden of ensuring that an epilepsy patient does not drive a car or fly an airplane.


In the U.S., people with epilepsy can drive if their seizures are controlled with treatment and they meet the licensing requirements in their state. How long they have to be free of seizures varies in different states, but it is most likely to be between three months and a year.<ref name="EpilepsyFndtn-Driving">Epilepsy Foundation
* Boerhaave was the first person who differentiate [[petit mal epilepsy]], [[grand mal epilepsy]] and [[hysteria]].
[http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Social/driving/drivingu.cfm Driving and You - Can you drive an automobile if you have epilepsy?].</ref><ref name="EpilepsyFndtn-StateLaws">Epilepsy Foundation [http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/living/wellness/transportation/drivinglaws.cfm Driver Information by State]</ref> The majority of the 50 states place the burden on patients to report their condition to appropriate licensing authorities so that their privileges can be revoked where appropriate. A minority of states (including California) place the burden of reporting on the patient's physician. After reporting is carried out, it is usually the driver's licensing agency that decides to revoke or restrict a driver's license.
* Marshall Hall described reflex theory in which paroxysmal nervous discharges are responsible for epilepsy [[Seizure|seizures]].<ref name=":0">{{cite book | last = Hassell | first = Thomas | title = Epilepsy and the oral manifestations of phenytoin therapy | publisher = Karger | location = Basel New York | year = 1981 | isbn = 978-3-8055-1008-0 }}</ref>


In the UK, it is the responsibility of the patients to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they have epilepsy.<ref name ="UKEpilepsy-Driving">UK [[Epilepsy Action]]: Driving and Epilepsy, [http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/driving_seizure.html I've had a seizure. What should I do?]</ref> The DVLA rules are quite complex,<ref name="DVLA-Driving">UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency [http://www.dvla.gov.uk/at_a_glance/content.htm Guide to the Current Medical Standards Of Fitness to Drive]. Full details for doctors regarding epilepsy are given in the [http://www.dvla.gov.uk/at_a_glance/ch1_neurological.htm#appendix Appendix]. Information for drivers can be found in [http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dmed1_files/group1.htm#nc Medical Rules - Group 1 Licence Holders]</ref> but in summary,<ref name="UKEpilepsyActionBooklet">UK Epilepsy Action: booklet with further details about driving [http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/downloads/pdf/epilepsyaction_driving.pdf PDF]</ref> those continuing to have seizures or who are within 6 months of medication change may have their licence revoked. A doctor who becomes aware that a patient with uncontrolled epilepsy is continuing to drive has, after reminding the patient of their responsibility, a duty to break confidentiality and inform the DVLA. The doctor should advise the patient of the disclosure and the reasons why their failure to notify the agency obliged the doctor to act.
* Important Investigators of Epilepsy:
**[[Jean-Martin Charcot]]
**[[John Hughlings Jackson]]
**[[Hans Berger]]
**[[Herbert Jasper]]
**[[Wilder Penfield]]
**[[H. Houston Merritt]]
**[[William G. Lennox]]<ref name=":0" />


=== Important Investigators of Epilepsy ===
== Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies ==
*[[Jean-Martin Charcot]]
* The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in [[skull bones]] was done in order to treat epilepsy.<ref name=":0" />
*John Hughlings Jackson
* In the past three decades [[anti-epileptic drugs]] are used widely for [[Symptom|symptomatic]] control of epileptic patients.<ref name="pmid21426333">{{cite journal |vauthors=Löscher W, Schmidt D |title=Modern antiepileptic drug development has failed to deliver: ways out of the current dilemma |journal=Epilepsia |volume=52 |issue=4 |pages=657–78 |date=April 2011 |pmid=21426333 |doi=10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03024.x |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid22977896">{{cite journal |vauthors=Schmidt D |title=Is antiepileptogenesis a realistic goal in clinical trials? Concerns and new horizons |journal=Epileptic Disord |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=105–13 |date=June 2012 |pmid=22977896 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
*Hans Berger
 
*[[Herbert Jasper]]
== Famous Cases ==
*[[Wilder Penfield]]
The following are a few famous cases who are said to have had epilepsy:<ref name="pmid15710295">{{cite journal |vauthors=Hughes JR |title=Did all those famous people really have epilepsy? |journal=Epilepsy Behav |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=115–39 |date=March 2005 |pmid=15710295 |doi=10.1016/j.yebeh.2004.11.011 |url=}}</ref>
*[[H. Houston Merritt]]
* Pythagoras (582–500 BC)
*[[William G. Lennox]]
* [[Aristotle]] (384–322 BC)
* Hannibal (Barca) (247–183 BC)
* Alfred the Great (849–899)
* Dante Alighieri (1265–1321)
* Johanne la Pucelle (Joan of Arc) (1412–1431)
* Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
* Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564)
* Armand-Jean du Plessis (Cardinal Richelieu) (1585–1642)
* King Louis XIII of France (1601–1643)
* Jean-Baptiste Poquelin-Molie´re (1622–1673)
* [[Blaise Pascal]] (1623–1662)
* Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727)
* William of Orange (1650–1702)
* Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)
* George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
* William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (1708–1778)
* Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
* Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
* [[James Madison DeWolf|James Madison]] (1751–1836)
* Ludwig von Beethoven (1770–1827)
* Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)
* Niccolo Paganini (1784–1840)
* George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788–1824)
* Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)
* Louis Hector Berlioz (1803–1869)
* Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)
* Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–1892)
* Robert Schumann (1810–1856)
* Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
* Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855)
* Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand Von Helmholtz (1821–1894)
* Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880)
* Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)
* Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, Lewis Carroll (1832–1898)
* [[Alfred Nobel]] (1833–1896)
* William Morris (1834–1896)
* Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837–1909)
* Henri-Rene´-Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850–1893)
* Agatha (Miller) Christie (1890–1976)
* Truman (Streckfus Persons) Capote (1924–1984)
* Richard Burton (1925–1984)
Many studies demonstrated that there are doubts about diagnosis of epilepsy in these patients.


==References==
==References==
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Latest revision as of 21:37, 29 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.,Vishnu Vardhan Serla M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek epilepsia, which in turn can be broken in to epi- (upon) and lepsis (to take hold of, or seizure). In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession. Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a brain disease. Boerhaave was the first person who differentiate petit mal epilepsy, grand mal epilepsy and hysteria. Marshall Hall described reflex theory in which paroxysmal nervous discharges are responsible for epilepsy seizures. The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in skull bones was done in order to treat epilepsy. In the past three decades anti-epileptic drugs are used widely for symptomatic control of epileptic patients.

Historical Perspective

Discovery

  • The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek epilepsia, which in turn can be broken in to epi- (upon) and lepsis (to take hold of, or seizure)[1]
  • In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession.
  • In ancient times, epilepsy was known as the "Sacred Disease" because people thought that epileptic seizures were a form of attack by demons, or that the visions experienced by persons with epilepsy were sent by the Gods.
  • Among animist Hmong families, for example, epilepsy was understood as an attack by an evil spirit, but the affected person could become revered as a shaman through these otherworldly experiences.[3]
  • However, in most cultures, persons with epilepsy have been stigmatized, shunned, or even imprisoned.
  • In the Salpêtrière, the birthplace of modern neurology, Jean-Martin Charcot found people with epilepsy side-by-side with the mentally retarded, those with chronic syphilis, and the criminally insane.
  • In Tanzania to this day, as with other parts of Africa, epilepsy is associated with possession by evil spirits, witchcraft, or poisoning and is believed by many to be contagious.[2]
  • In ancient Rome, epilepsy was known as the Morbus Comitialis ('disease of the assembly hall') and was seen as a curse from the gods.
  • Stigma continues to this day, in both the public and private spheres, but polls suggest it is generally decreasing with time, at least in the developed world.
  • Hippocrates remarked that epilepsy would cease to be considered divine the day it was understood.[3]
  • Claudius Galen was the first person who described epilepsy as a brain disease.

Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies

  • The very first evidence of epilepsy treatment goes back to 10,000 years ago when making holes in skull bones was done in order to treat epilepsy.[4]
  • In the past three decades anti-epileptic drugs are used widely for symptomatic control of epileptic patients.[5][6]

Famous Cases

The following are a few famous cases who are said to have had epilepsy:[7]

  • Pythagoras (582–500 BC)
  • Aristotle (384–322 BC)
  • Hannibal (Barca) (247–183 BC)
  • Alfred the Great (849–899)
  • Dante Alighieri (1265–1321)
  • Johanne la Pucelle (Joan of Arc) (1412–1431)
  • Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
  • Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564)
  • Armand-Jean du Plessis (Cardinal Richelieu) (1585–1642)
  • King Louis XIII of France (1601–1643)
  • Jean-Baptiste Poquelin-Molie´re (1622–1673)
  • Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)
  • Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727)
  • William of Orange (1650–1702)
  • Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)
  • George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
  • William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (1708–1778)
  • Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
  • Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
  • James Madison (1751–1836)
  • Ludwig von Beethoven (1770–1827)
  • Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)
  • Niccolo Paganini (1784–1840)
  • George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788–1824)
  • Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)
  • Louis Hector Berlioz (1803–1869)
  • Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)
  • Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–1892)
  • Robert Schumann (1810–1856)
  • Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
  • Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855)
  • Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand Von Helmholtz (1821–1894)
  • Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880)
  • Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)
  • Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, Lewis Carroll (1832–1898)
  • Alfred Nobel (1833–1896)
  • William Morris (1834–1896)
  • Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837–1909)
  • Henri-Rene´-Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850–1893)
  • Agatha (Miller) Christie (1890–1976)
  • Truman (Streckfus Persons) Capote (1924–1984)
  • Richard Burton (1925–1984)

Many studies demonstrated that there are doubts about diagnosis of epilepsy in these patients.

References

  1. Harper, Douglas (2001). "epilepsy". Online Etymological Dictionary. Retrieved 2005-06-05.
  2. Morbus sacer in Africa: some religious aspects of epilepsy in traditional cultures. Jilek-Aall L. PMID: 10080524 Retrieved 8 October 2006.
  3. Hippocrates quotes
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hassell, Thomas (1981). Epilepsy and the oral manifestations of phenytoin therapy. Basel New York: Karger. ISBN 978-3-8055-1008-0.
  5. Löscher W, Schmidt D (April 2011). "Modern antiepileptic drug development has failed to deliver: ways out of the current dilemma". Epilepsia. 52 (4): 657–78. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03024.x. PMID 21426333.
  6. Schmidt D (June 2012). "Is antiepileptogenesis a realistic goal in clinical trials? Concerns and new horizons". Epileptic Disord. 14 (2): 105–13. PMID 22977896.
  7. Hughes JR (March 2005). "Did all those famous people really have epilepsy?". Epilepsy Behav. 6 (2): 115–39. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2004.11.011. PMID 15710295.

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