Sociocultural History of Epilepsy

Abstract

Short DescriptionEpilepsy is a chronic medical condition with many social aspects, documentations of which exist since earliest historical times. This chapter looks at a selection of topics comprising religion and superstitions, work and mobility, family, and legislation. In the broad public, superstitions and stigma have been slow to react to medical progresses. The many evolutions that modern societies have undergone had also consequences for the life of persons with epilepsy, which can be most clearly seen in the fields of work and mobility. Changes in public perceptions and attitudes occur slowly if at all, and epilepsy specialists and support organizations in several countries have begun to work toward legislations protecting the legitimate interests of patients.Basic CharacteristicsEpileptic seizures on many phylogenetic levels are a possible response of organized neuronal systems, and there is therefore little doubt that epilepsy has been pr ...