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The First Neurology Book Written in English (1650) by Robert Pemell: De Morbis Capitis
Abstract
In 1650 Robert Pemell, an English country physician, published De Morbis Capitis; or, Of the Chief Internal Diseases of the Head, the first neurology book written in English. Two factors are probably responsible for the appearance of this book. It was written during the 17th century, a period when the number of medical books published in English increased six-fold. In addition, there was a need for texts in English. Most poor people could not afford a physician's care and were ministered to by laymen who could not read Latin. The text of De Morbis Capitis was based on the works of contemporary and ancient authors. It contains chapters on modern syndromes, eg, headache, paralysis, epilepsy, and vertigo, as well as disorders of the time, eg, incubus and phrenitide. Each chapter first describes the disease and its differential diagnosis and then provides remedies, including herbals and bleeding. Overall, the treatment of brain diseases, as outlined in De Morbis Capitis, is probably a description of a high standard of neurologic practice in the 17th century English countryside.
... The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) plays the most important role in the initiation and spread of seizures. It appears to be most susceptible to seizure generation [1], [76]. ...
Epilepsy is a mystery even though it affects an
estimated 50 million people worldwide. Its management is enigmatic
and as such, is not curative, but rather aims to attain freedom from
seizures without side-effects. However, an approach for the selection
of the most effective drugs and doses for individual patients is lacking.
Almost all of the antiepileptic drugs in current use are associated with
adverse reactions, some of which are severe and life-threatening. A
more comprehensive treatment strategy requires improved research on
epilepsy. This is the key to developing a treatment plan focused on the
individual needs of each patient. Pharmacogenetics can offer a novel
line of attack in the treatment of epilepsy. The potential advantages of
gene therapy in the management of epilepsy are manifold. It
encompasses the principle of testing as to how genetic variation among
individuals affects variation in drug response, efficacy, and potential
adverse drug events. Pharmacogenomics is the investigation of
relationships between patient genotype and responses to drug
treatment. It holds the promise of selecting the right drug at the right
dose for the right person. A conceptual framework that outlines the
pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic aspects of epilepsy presented
here. Future directions for research and the application of these
technologies to the clinical practice of individualising treatment for
epilepsy are also discussed. A combination of research strategies and
prudent policies from government may lead to a better understanding
of treatment effects and futuristic but realistic management in
epilepsy.
BACKGROUND The incubus phenomenon is a paroxysmal condition characterised by sleep paralysis coinciding with a sensed presence and the frightening sensation that something or somebody is exerting pressure on the thorax.
AIM To present an overview of the literature on the incubus phenomenon and to provide practical advice regarding diagnosis and treatment.
METHOD To obtain information for our paper we carried out a search in PubMed and the historical literature.
RESULTS The incubus phenomenon is a relatively unknown condition, even though, world-wide, it has a lifetime prevalence rate of 30% in the general population. The prevalence is even higher among
students, psychiatric patients and patients with narcolepsy. It is attributed to a dissociation of
the rem sleep phase and the subsequent intrusion of endogenously mediated percepts. The
condition rarely requires treatment because it is self-limiting, and generally occurs only once in
a lifetime. Repeated attacks, however, may warrant additional diagnostic testing with the aid of
polysomnography and may require treatment with anxiolytics, antidepressants, anticholinergics or
anti-epileptics.
CONCLUSION The incubus phenomenon is an intrusive condition, but, as far as we currently know, it is benign. Nevertheless, it is important that the condition is recognised and not confused with a psychotic disorder or any other type of severe mental illness. When necessary, it should be treated lege artis.
Scientific contribution of İbni Sina to general knowledge of humankind is enormous. Western literature on Ibni Sina is somewhat contradictive with a special point-of view of mixed feelings infected with orientalism frequently. We tried to understand the works of İbni Sina and his era according to Turkish, Russian and Persian sources.
This study reports the results of a questionnaire design to elicit doctors views about epilepsy.
Sixty-two percent of medical staff working in different regions of Oman responded. The questionnaire covered certain topics regarding the source of the knowledge of the doctors on seizure disorders and the personalities and behavior of people with epilepsy.
The study suggests that although doctors in Oman gained knowledge on epilepsy prior to medical education, more doctors judged people with epilepsy `negatively` compared to `positively` for normal people.
A developing country such as Oman needs to inculcate perceptions and attitude that are more realistic amongst their doctors toward people with epilepsy.