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'The falling sickness' in literature.

J M Jones1

  • 1Neurology of Battle Creek, Mich 49017, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|January 6, 2001
PubMed
Summary

This review examines epilepsy, or "the falling sickness," in classical literature. It reveals societal views evolving from supernatural possession to understanding epilepsy as a medical condition.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Medical Humanities
  • History of Medicine

Background:

  • Epilepsy, historically termed 'the falling sickness,' has a long and varied presence in human literature.
  • Classical literature often mirrored societal perceptions and superstitions surrounding neurological conditions.

Observation:

  • This article analyzes seminal literary works that depict individuals experiencing seizures.
  • The portrayal of epilepsy in these texts offers a lens into historical societal attitudes.

Findings:

  • Early literary depictions frequently associate epilepsy with supernatural forces or divine punishment, reflecting a 'possessed' status.
  • Later literary representations begin to shift towards describing epilepsy as an inherent condition of the individual, hinting at a medical understanding.

Implications:

  • Understanding historical literary portrayals of epilepsy enhances our comprehension of the condition's social stigma and medical evolution.
  • This review highlights the power of literature to document societal attitudes towards health and illness over time.

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