The woman with epilepsy: a historical perspective

Orrin Devinsky

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511545030.003

3 - The woman with epilepsy: a historical perspective

from Part I - The woman with epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 November 2009

Orrin Devinsky

Edited by

Martha J. Morrell and

Kerry L. Flynn

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Orrin Devinsky: Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, 560 First Avenue, Rivergate, New York, NY 10016, USA
Martha J. Morrell: Affiliation:
Columbia University, New York
Kerry L. Flynn: Affiliation:
Columbia-Presbyterian Cancer Center, New York

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Summary

Dr Orrin Devinsky is an eminent epilepsy specialist and former member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Foundation. In this chapter, he reviews the medical history of epilepsy as it relates to women, drawing on his own extensive knowledge about epilepsy, its treatment, and an impressive personal collection of historical texts. Where we are now relates to where we have been. The medical and social histories of epilepsy are filled with stories of wrong information and wrong action. Much of the misunderstanding has impacted women especially. They were thought to suffer from gynecological diseases, unhealthy sexual impulses, and were even considered to be witches. Modern-day therapies have improved the life of the woman with epilepsy. Advances in medical knowledge have put old superstitions and fears to rest. Yet stigma persists. The best way to address this stigma is to understand the source and have access to the information that will end discrimination.

MJM

Epilepsy has affected humans since the dawn of the species and has been recognized since the earliest medical writings. Few medical conditions have attracted so much attention and controversy. Throughout history, people with epilepsy, as well as their families, suffered unfairly because of the ignorance of others. Fortunately, the stigma and fear generated by the words seizure and epilepsy have increasingly diminished during the last century, and the majority of those with seizure disorders now lead a normal life.

Keywords

epileptic seizure activity medical therapy menopause menstruation woman with epilepsy pregnancy

Type: Chapter
Information: Women with Epilepsy
A Handbook of Health and Treatment Issues
, pp. 17 - 34

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511545030.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2003

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