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Epilepsy: From the Days of 'The Lost Prince' and Today

'The Lost Prince'

By Adam Modzelesky
EpilepsyUSA staff
Posted: October 14, 2004

As a supplement to the Masterpiece Theatre production of The Lost Prince, the following comparison shows changes that have occurred over the past 100 years since Prince John of the British Royal Family was born with epilepsy.

 

Epilepsy in 1900

Epilepsy Today
Epilepsy is viewed solely as a genetic condition and something to be kept in the family closet. It is now known that epilepsy has many causes, such as head trauma, tumors and brain malformations.
States pass laws prohibiting people with epilepsy from marrying and having children for fear of passing the disability on. Myths about epilepsy still exist, but it is false to say epilepsy is contagious or that women are not capable of having normal, healthy babies.
Many people with epilepsy are isolated from society in institutions and self-supporting colonies for the "feeble minded and epileptic." People with epilepsy are no longer cut off from the rest of the world. They are fully capable of contributing to society and living full, healthy lives.
The terms "fit" and "epileptic" are acceptable ways of describing a seizure and a person with epilepsy. European countries still use both disparaging terms, but their use is largely avoided in the United States.
Epilepsy treatments include such things as a belt-like device that is put around the neck and used to cut off blood supply to the front part of the brain. Epilepsy treatments have grown and now include surgery, vagus nerve stimulation therapy, special diets, and a host of medications.
Seizure medications are limited, and the only medication considered truly effective is bromide. There are approximately 26 medications used to treat and control seizures.