Epilepsy in Dostoevsky

Seizure-Induced Oxidative Stress in Status Epilepticus: Is Antioxidant Beneficial?

“…The term "epilepsy" originated from the Greek verb “epilambanein” (επιλαμϖανειν), which means “to be attacked or to be seized”. Epilepsy as a medical condition is known throughout human history and was described among famous people such as Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Russian writer), Gaius Julius Caesar (Roman general and the great strategist), and Napoleon Bonaparte (French general and Emperor) [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. According to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), an epileptic seizure is caused by abnormal, excessive, and synchronous neuronal activity in the different brain areas and presenting various signs and/or symptoms accordingly [ 7 ].…”

Dostoevsky’s epilepsy

“…Позднее писатель общался со многими европейскими врачами в годы, когда путешествовал и жил во Франции, Италии и Германии (в 1867 и 1871 гг.) [20].…”

What do Flaubert, Dostoevsky and Machado de Assis have in common with neurology?

“…He often described sudden and unanticipated psychological states characterized by vivid memories and a pleasant sensation near ecstasy. These epileptic auras somehow justify his seminal idea that a moment of happiness is worth a lifetime 4,5 . Unlike Flaubert, epilepsy was present in at least six of Dostoevsky' s characters.…”

“…Unlike Flaubert, epilepsy was present in at least six of Dostoevsky' s characters. In fact, epilepsy occupied a prominent position in his novels, in that the seizures were richly depicted and even helped in the construction of the personality of the characters 4,5,6 . In The Brothers Karamazov, for instance, a character with epilepsy simulates one of his crises in order to not be accused of a murder that he committed 6 .…”

“…Dostoevsky incorporated his own suffering into his art and acknowledged the therapeutic effects that literature had on his health, although writing was repeatedly contraindicated by his doctors. Several times, Dostoevsky was skeptical about the prescribed treatment (bromides), although he had repeatedly sought the opinions of great neurologists, such as Moritz Romberg 4,5,6 . Machado de Assis (1839-1908) is considered the most famous Brazilian writer (Figure 3).…”