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84. Van Gogh and epilepsy
Abstracts / Epilepsy & Behavior 17 (2010) 579–620
adolescent with falling seizures and a man having seizures during the new moon (‘‘lunar disease’’), who were to be healed by Christ accompanied by the apostles. The paintings of miracles are very realistic probably because the patients in the Hospital near the Monastery were available as models for the talented masters during painting. In a biography of King Stefan Dechanski by Gregory Camblak, a patient with a hallucinatory episode followed by a generalized tonic-clonic seizure was described. Conclusions: In addition to their religious character, the miracles in the frescoes concerning medical matters at Dechani Monastery are significant with respect to both Serbian cultural heritage and Serbian medieval medicine. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.106
82. Epilepsy in the saints and prophets Slobodanka Ilic´-Tasic´, Pediatric Internal Diseases Clinic, Department of Pediatric Neurology, KC Niš, Serbia
Famous persons who have had epilepsy include among their ranks some of the saints, especially the Apostles Paul and John, as well as the Prophet Mohammed. Nevertheless, the analysis of paroxysmal occurrences in saints, apostles and prophets must be done with great care. Many of these occurrences may be classified as epilepsy, especially those characterized by visions. The claim that the founder of Islam, the Prophet Mohammed, had an aura similar or identical to that described by Dostoyevsky remains unconfirmed. In the literature available for this research, we could not find sufficient information to confirm that Mohammed suffered from epilepsy or psychosis. The claims that the Apostles Paul and John had epilepsy have no basis in theological scientific literature. These claims may be based on apocryphal books that appeared several centuries after Christ. It would be irresponsible to support the hypotheses that the Apostle Paul and Prophet Mohammed had epilepsy. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.107
83. Paroxysmal behavior disturbances of Salvador Dali Radojka Krivokapic´ 1, Milica Tošic´ 2, Slobodanka Ilic´-Tasic´ 3, Dušica Randelovic´ 3, 1 Institute for Nephrology and Hemodialysis, KC, Niš, Serbia, 2 Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology Department, Belgrade University, Serbia, 3 Pediatric Internal Diseases Clinic, Department of Pediatric Neurology, KC Niš, Serbia
Dali was aware of his temptations which he designated the ‘‘confusing and demonic fabric of his life.’’ Some of them plagued him since his early childhood (for example, paroxysmal occurrences of cruelty to others), while first encounters with Gala provoked in him paroxysmal laughter. Dali’s paroxysmal laughter crises were purposefully triggered by his thoughts and also recurred later when he was consumed with powerful emotions of love (reflex epilepsy), causing exhaustion and listlessness; he himself considered them to be ‘‘divine madness.’’ Through love and ecstasy with Gala, Dali achieved a deep transformation. The manner of their life together (including a strict ‘‘hygienic dietetic regimen’’ and quality of life) enabled Dali to reveal the path of Truth: ‘‘Heaven is neither above nor below, neither left nor right; heaven is in the bosom of the believer.’’ Dali lived to see psychological ailments cured (various behavioral disturbances, fear and even madness) but also the regeneration of his spirit and body, enabling him to make works of arts of inestimable value. His work
603
offers inspiration for further multidisciplinary research. ‘‘I have no equal in the ages. My works are my proof’’ (Salvador Dali). doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.108
84. Van Gogh and epilepsy Tatjana Tošic´ 1, Slobodanka Ilic´-Tasic´ 1, Milica Tošic´ 2, 1 Pediatric Internal Diseases Clinic, Department of Pediatric Neurology, KC Niš, Serbia, 2 Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology Department, Belgrade University, Serbia
Based on biographic information on Van Gogh it is very difficult to determine the type of epilepsy and epileptic psychosis, as well as the causes leading to it, but we must admit that despite the disease he managed to achieve his artistic goals. His lifestyle and especially the consummation of absinthe (which led him into alcoholism and, according to some, into ‘‘absinthe madness’’) aggravated his disease (which according to some experts was symptomatic epilepsy induced by alcoholism and/or thujone and treptine intoxication) but also produced a condition which was necessary for his artistic expression. He was well aware of the fact that many other artists had a similar fate (alcoholism, madness, epilepsy). doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.109
85. Mistletoe for therapy of epilepsy in Serbian traditional medicine M. Borkovic, J. Jancic, P. Ignjatovic, N. Jovic, Clinic of Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Since the founding of the first Serbian medieval hospitals (the monasteries Chilander in 1191 and Studenica in 1208) herbal therapy has been the main therapy used. For centuries, herbal medicine was highly appreciated by our people, especially for oncological and neurological diseases. The ancient Slav belief in herbal therapy for epilepsy, under Byzantine influence, increased in Serbian territory in medieval times. Mistletoe (Viscum sp.) is an evergreen parasitic plant, growing on the branches of trees, where it forms pendant bushes, 2–5 feet in diameter. Despite its known toxic effects, mistletoe is a widely used traditional remedy for various ailments, most often in epilepsy therapy, and is used in various forms, alone or with other herbs. The antiepileptic effect of mistletoe has been described often in many medieval and other documents. Daily use of 2–3 cups of the mistletoe tea previously submerged in cold water or 25 drops of the fresh juice prepared from leaves and mistletoe stems taken in the early morning on an empty stomach or at night before night sleep has been recommended. In order to ensure the best therapeutic effect, the mistletoe must be collected at a special time: July 7 (St. John’s Day) or the Friday before St. George’s Day. This is in accordance with the widely held belief that the plant exerts its best healing properties on certain days of the year. There has been confusion about the toxicity of this herb but paying attention to the correct botanical and current safety warnings, the herb can safely be used. Medical herbs still have a role in Serbian traditional medicine, because of strong popular belief of their healing properties. Use of mistletoe has a historical significance in epilepsy treatment. The clinical benefit of that therapy is unproven. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.110
adolescent with falling seizures and a man having seizures during the new moon (‘‘lunar disease’’), who were to be healed by Christ accompanied by the apostles. The paintings of miracles are very realistic probably because the patients in the Hospital near the Monastery were available as models for the talented masters during painting. In a biography of King Stefan Dechanski by Gregory Camblak, a patient with a hallucinatory episode followed by a generalized tonic-clonic seizure was described. Conclusions: In addition to their religious character, the miracles in the frescoes concerning medical matters at Dechani Monastery are significant with respect to both Serbian cultural heritage and Serbian medieval medicine. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.106
82. Epilepsy in the saints and prophets Slobodanka Ilic´-Tasic´, Pediatric Internal Diseases Clinic, Department of Pediatric Neurology, KC Niš, Serbia
Famous persons who have had epilepsy include among their ranks some of the saints, especially the Apostles Paul and John, as well as the Prophet Mohammed. Nevertheless, the analysis of paroxysmal occurrences in saints, apostles and prophets must be done with great care. Many of these occurrences may be classified as epilepsy, especially those characterized by visions. The claim that the founder of Islam, the Prophet Mohammed, had an aura similar or identical to that described by Dostoyevsky remains unconfirmed. In the literature available for this research, we could not find sufficient information to confirm that Mohammed suffered from epilepsy or psychosis. The claims that the Apostles Paul and John had epilepsy have no basis in theological scientific literature. These claims may be based on apocryphal books that appeared several centuries after Christ. It would be irresponsible to support the hypotheses that the Apostle Paul and Prophet Mohammed had epilepsy. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.107
83. Paroxysmal behavior disturbances of Salvador Dali Radojka Krivokapic´ 1, Milica Tošic´ 2, Slobodanka Ilic´-Tasic´ 3, Dušica Randelovic´ 3, 1 Institute for Nephrology and Hemodialysis, KC, Niš, Serbia, 2 Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology Department, Belgrade University, Serbia, 3 Pediatric Internal Diseases Clinic, Department of Pediatric Neurology, KC Niš, Serbia
Dali was aware of his temptations which he designated the ‘‘confusing and demonic fabric of his life.’’ Some of them plagued him since his early childhood (for example, paroxysmal occurrences of cruelty to others), while first encounters with Gala provoked in him paroxysmal laughter. Dali’s paroxysmal laughter crises were purposefully triggered by his thoughts and also recurred later when he was consumed with powerful emotions of love (reflex epilepsy), causing exhaustion and listlessness; he himself considered them to be ‘‘divine madness.’’ Through love and ecstasy with Gala, Dali achieved a deep transformation. The manner of their life together (including a strict ‘‘hygienic dietetic regimen’’ and quality of life) enabled Dali to reveal the path of Truth: ‘‘Heaven is neither above nor below, neither left nor right; heaven is in the bosom of the believer.’’ Dali lived to see psychological ailments cured (various behavioral disturbances, fear and even madness) but also the regeneration of his spirit and body, enabling him to make works of arts of inestimable value. His work
603
offers inspiration for further multidisciplinary research. ‘‘I have no equal in the ages. My works are my proof’’ (Salvador Dali). doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.108
84. Van Gogh and epilepsy Tatjana Tošic´ 1, Slobodanka Ilic´-Tasic´ 1, Milica Tošic´ 2, 1 Pediatric Internal Diseases Clinic, Department of Pediatric Neurology, KC Niš, Serbia, 2 Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology Department, Belgrade University, Serbia
Based on biographic information on Van Gogh it is very difficult to determine the type of epilepsy and epileptic psychosis, as well as the causes leading to it, but we must admit that despite the disease he managed to achieve his artistic goals. His lifestyle and especially the consummation of absinthe (which led him into alcoholism and, according to some, into ‘‘absinthe madness’’) aggravated his disease (which according to some experts was symptomatic epilepsy induced by alcoholism and/or thujone and treptine intoxication) but also produced a condition which was necessary for his artistic expression. He was well aware of the fact that many other artists had a similar fate (alcoholism, madness, epilepsy). doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.109
85. Mistletoe for therapy of epilepsy in Serbian traditional medicine M. Borkovic, J. Jancic, P. Ignjatovic, N. Jovic, Clinic of Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Since the founding of the first Serbian medieval hospitals (the monasteries Chilander in 1191 and Studenica in 1208) herbal therapy has been the main therapy used. For centuries, herbal medicine was highly appreciated by our people, especially for oncological and neurological diseases. The ancient Slav belief in herbal therapy for epilepsy, under Byzantine influence, increased in Serbian territory in medieval times. Mistletoe (Viscum sp.) is an evergreen parasitic plant, growing on the branches of trees, where it forms pendant bushes, 2–5 feet in diameter. Despite its known toxic effects, mistletoe is a widely used traditional remedy for various ailments, most often in epilepsy therapy, and is used in various forms, alone or with other herbs. The antiepileptic effect of mistletoe has been described often in many medieval and other documents. Daily use of 2–3 cups of the mistletoe tea previously submerged in cold water or 25 drops of the fresh juice prepared from leaves and mistletoe stems taken in the early morning on an empty stomach or at night before night sleep has been recommended. In order to ensure the best therapeutic effect, the mistletoe must be collected at a special time: July 7 (St. John’s Day) or the Friday before St. George’s Day. This is in accordance with the widely held belief that the plant exerts its best healing properties on certain days of the year. There has been confusion about the toxicity of this herb but paying attention to the correct botanical and current safety warnings, the herb can safely be used. Medical herbs still have a role in Serbian traditional medicine, because of strong popular belief of their healing properties. Use of mistletoe has a historical significance in epilepsy treatment. The clinical benefit of that therapy is unproven. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.01.110