Personality disorders and epilepsy

The relationship between epilepsy and personality disorder is viewed. The historical links are discussed, and it is pointed out that the position has moved from that of assuming that everybody with epilepsy will undergo personality change, to noting in particular changes that may be associated with temporal lobe, especially limbic system, abnormalities. The Geschwind syndrome is briefly described, and the association between aggression and epilepsy explored. It is concluded that some aspects of personality may improve following temporal lobectomy, especially if seizures also improve.