An Uneasy Mind

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity - Episode 439 -  An Uneasy Mind

Let me start with an example of my creative - if if that is what you wanna call it - approach to Gemini - I figured out what I wanted to say, my situation, and give Gemini a place to start with. I knew that Gustav Flaubert and Lord Byron lived approximately at the same time, but I was not exactly sure which came first chronologically.  So I looked them up Gemini and got 

Lord Byron was Born: January 22, 1788 and died April 19, 1824 - while

Well now I guess you could say that I'm speaking as me here I guess you could say that is true with me personally I may have the tendency to have a seizure but I haven't had a seizure for decades but then I can take well anticonvulsants and the medication's seem to have Gustave Flaubert was born about 30 years later on December 12, 1821 and died may 8, 1880.  So chronologically, this episode and the one afterwards will be about Lord Byron.  I then typed the following prompt into Gemini

I am doing a podcast where I am planning several episodes about writers who it is believed suffered from epilepsy - such as Edgar Allan Poe, Dostoyevsky - definitely - Agatha Christie - of course there are other notable figures who are believed to have suffered from epilepsy. From what I understand there is not definite proof that dickens had epilepsy, but he did take great care en describing the symptoms and actions of people with epilepsy. First - and it may require several episodes to cover all the writers - could you describe the role of epilepsy in the life of Lord Byron?

And Gemini replied - The role of epilepsy in the life of Lord Byron is a fascinating and often debated topic. While some historical accounts and figures (like Nietzsche) suggested he suffered from epilepsy, modern interpretations of the available evidence tend to be more nuanced, suggesting that if he experienced seizures, they were likely occasional convulsions rather than chronic epilepsy.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity - Episode 439  An Uneasy Mind

Let me start with an example of my creative - if if that is what you wanna call it - approach to Gemini - I figured out what I wanted to say, my situation, and give Gemini a place to start with. I knew that Gustav Flaubert and Lord Byron lived approximately at the same time, but I was not exactly sure which came first chronologically.  So I looked them up Gemini and got 

Lord Byron was Born: January 22, 1788 and died April 19, 1824 - while

Well now I guess you could say that I'm speaking as me here I guess you could say that is true with me personally I may have the tendency to have a seizure but I haven't had a seizure for decades but then I can take well anticonvulsants and the medication's seem to have Gustave Flaubert was born about 30 years later on December 12, 1821 and died may 8, 1880.  So chronologically, this episode and the one afterwards will be about Lord Byron.  I then typed the following prompt into Gemini

I am doing a podcast where I am planning several episodes about writers who it is believed suffered from epilepsy - such as Edgar Allan Poe, Dostoyevsky - definitely - Agatha Christie - of course there are other notable figures who are believed to have suffered from epilepsy. From what I understand there is not definite proof that dickens had epilepsy, but he did take great care en describing the symptoms and actions of people with epilepsy. First - and it may require several episodes to cover all the writers - could you describe the role of epilepsy in the life of Lord Byron?

And Gemini replied - The role of epilepsy in the life of Lord Byron is a fascinating and often debated topic. While some historical accounts and figures (like Nietzsche) suggested he suffered from epilepsy, modern interpretations of the available evidence tend to be more nuanced, suggesting that if he experienced seizures, they were likely occasional convulsions rather than chronic epilepsy.

I then asked For the benefit of most people who might not be as familiar with the relevant terminology - what is chronic epilepsy?

Chronic epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by a tendency for recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

Here's a breakdown of what that means:

Chronic: This means it's a long-lasting condition, not a temporary illness like a cold or a one-time event. While some forms of epilepsy can go into remission, for many, it's a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. 

I guess you could say that is true with me personally - I may have the tendency to have a seizure, but I haven't had a seizure for decades - but I take anticonvulsant medication's every day that completely control my seizures. This is kind of strange for me, because as a youth I used to be incredibly embarrassed and self-conscious by my epilepsy, but now I am far more self accepting - and even happier.  But I digress.  Back to your description of epilepsy.

And Gemma and I said - Brain Disorder: Epilepsy originates in the brain. It involves abnormal electrical activity in groups of nerve cells (neurons), which can disrupt normal brain function.

Recurrent: This is a key defining feature. To be diagnosed with epilepsy, a person typically needs to have experienced at least two unprovoked seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart.  

And yes at one time that was me, but I haven't had a seizure for years.

Unprovoked Seizures: This distinguishes epilepsy from "occasional convulsions" or "provoked seizures." An unprovoked seizure is one that doesn't have a clear, immediate cause such as:

High fever (febrile seizures in children)
Acute brain injury
Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Drug or alcohol withdrawal
Very low blood sugar
Certain infections or medical conditions

This is very interesting and informative, but do you have an even easier way to understand epilepsy.

Sure. Imagine your brain's electrical system is usually like a well-organized network of circuits. In epilepsy, sometimes there are "electrical storms" or sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in certain parts of the brain. These bursts cause temporary disruptions in how the brain functions, leading to a seizure.

In fact, the very best - and accurate —description of epilepsy that I have ever heard from a medical and childhood standpoint is that an epileptic seizure is a temporary thunderstorm in the brain.

Seizures can manifest in many different ways, depending on where in the brain the abnormal electrical activity occurs. They can range from brief staring spells or muscle jerks to more dramatic convulsions involving the entire body and loss of consciousness.

In about half of cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. In others, it can be linked to:

Genetic factors
Brain injury (e.g., from trauma, stroke, or tumors)
Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
Developmental abnormalities in the brain
Immune disorders

Impact on Daily Life: Beyond the seizures themselves, chronic epilepsy can significantly impact a person's life, affecting driving, employment, social interactions, and mental well-being (with higher rates of anxiety and depression).

Management: While there's no cure for most forms of epilepsy, it's often manageable and even totally controlled with medications, and in some cases, surgery, neurostimulation, or even dietary changes. The goal of treatment is to control seizures and improve quality of life.

It's important to remember that having one seizure doesn't mean a person has epilepsy. The "chronic" and "recurrent, unprovoked" aspects are crucial for a diagnosis of epilepsy.

OK, I'd like to thank my audience for sticking with me, with me, while I did a brief description from a medical point of view about what epilepsy is. I know that many creative people throughout history have suffered from epilepsy - but I'm just going to try - although with someone like van Gogh I might make an exception - to stick to writers who have displayed symptoms of epilepsy . Again let me emphasize that I might veer out into describing other creative people.

But let me start with an extremely creative individual from England by the name of Lord Byron.

And Gemini said - Here’s a breakdown of what is known and theorized about epilepsy and Lord Byron:

And note that the evidence for seizures after all this time can be considered somewhat ambiguous in the case of Lord Byron.

"Violent convulsions" at 16: One notable incident occurred when Byron was 16, described as "violent convulsions" after hearing his love interest was considering marriage. The poet himself remarked, "I almost suffocated." This is often interpreted as a psychogenic seizure (non-epileptic seizures caused by psychological factors) given his highly emotional and neurotic character.

Incident before his death: A more compelling account comes from William Parry, a companion of Byron in Greece in his book, the last days of Lord Byron,  he described an incident two months before Byron's death where, after drinking cognac punch and cider, Byron "suddenly swayed and sank to the floor... His teeth were clamped together, he was speechless and unconscious and he suffered violent convulsions. His face was distorted and twisted to one side." This incident could indeed have been an epileptic seizure, possibly an occasional convulsion triggered by excessive alcohol consumption and extreme physical exhaustion.

By the way, I ask Gemini when the last days of Lord Byron by William Perry was published.

It answered that "The Last Days of Lord Byron" by William Parry, published in 1825, is in the public domain. This means it is freely accessible and no longer under copyright protection.  That's a relief!  

Now one belief that has surrounded epilepsy - especially in the past - has been that you should not physically exhaust yourself - but recently there have been too many skilled athletes and baseball and basketball and football players who have dispelled that myth - Though I have to admit, that when I was a kid, I was a terrible athlete - and even relished the chance to sit out a game - but as usual I digress.

Back to Lord Byron's own account of convulsions: Gemini then said In his diary, about two months before his death, Byron wrote of an episode of generalized convulsive seizures lasting about three minutes each, stating, "This is the first attack that I have had of this kind to the best of my belief. I never heard that any of my family were liable to the same." Apparently, this personal account is considered significant.

Now before I go any further - would you point out the difference between having occasional convulsions from chronic epilepsy.

Experts often differentiate between true epilepsy (a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures) and occasional convulsions, which can be triggered by various factors like fever, alcohol withdrawal, extreme stress, or other medical conditions.

Other Health Issues and Contributing Factors:
Byron's health was often precarious. He suffered from a congenital clubfoot, which caused him lifelong physical and psychological distress.

He also experienced recurrent fevers throughout his life, strongly suggesting malaria relapses, especially during his time in Greece and Italy. Malaria can definitely contribute to neurological symptoms.

His diet was often extreme, fluctuating between periods of self-starvation (some suggest anorexia nervosa) and indulgence. This, combined with heavy alcohol consumption, could have contributed to his overall physical decline and potentially lowered his seizure threshold. He died at a relatively young age (36) from a fever which developed after he was caught in a rainstorm and became very ill. The convulsive episode described by Parry could have been a sign of a related illness - see we just don't know.
And while there are descriptions of Lord Byron experiencing convulsive episodes, the evidence does not strongly support a diagnosis of chronic epilepsy. Instead, these events are more likely to have been occasional seizures or convulsions, potentially made worse by his overall health issues, lifestyle, and the severe illness that ultimately led to his death. His descriptions of such events, though not necessarily indicative of chronic epilepsy, still offer a glimpse into the physical and psychological struggles he endured.

Do you have a description in Lord Byron's words of a seizure event?

While Lord Byron definitely did experience and describe convulsive episodes, it's important to note that he didn't necessarily use the precise medical terminology of "epileptic seizure" as we understand it today. His descriptions are often embedded within accounts of his overall health, emotional states, and the chaotic circumstances of his life.

The most direct and compelling account in his own words comes from his diary entry about two months before his death in February 1824. This is the incident mentioned in the previous answer, and it is considered by some to be a strong indicator of a seizure. He wrote:

"This is the first attack that I have had of this kind to the best of my belief. I never heard that any of my family were liable to the same.”

While this is a short and somewhat understated comment for such a dramatic poet, it's significant for several reasons:

"Attack of this kind": This phrase suggests a distinct, unusual, and perhaps frightening physical event that he recognized as different from his usual ailments.

"First attack": This implies it was a novel experience for him, at least in its severity or presentation.

Family history: His comment about his family not being "liable to the same" indicates he was thinking about the potential medical implications and patterns of such events, even if he didn't have the fuller understanding of epilepsy we do now.

Other descriptions of his "convulsions" or "fits" often come from his biographers or contemporaries, such as the one described by William Parry, where Byron "suddenly swayed and sank to the floor... His teeth were clamped together, he was speechless and unconscious and he suffered violent convulsions. His face was distorted and twisted to one side." While this is a vivid description, it is not in Byron's own words.

It's also worth noting that Byron was known for his melodramatic and self-dramatizing tendencies, and his internal struggles often manifested physically. This makes it challenging to definitively interpret all accounts of his physical distress, but the diary entry above stands out as a personal reflection on a new and concerning physical “attack."

And then I asked Gemini for a little bit more detail about the last days of the Lord Byron.

Permit me to quote from "The Last Days of Lord Byron" by William Parry, the book was published in 1825 and is in the public domain - in other words, the book is freely accessible and no longer under copyright protection.

Regarding other similar descriptions of seizure events in Parry's book, the most prominent and frequently cited account is indeed the one you've already noted, where he describes Byron's "violent convulsions" two months before his death:

"He suddenly swayed and sank to the floor... His teeth were clamped together, he was speechless and unconscious and he suffered violent convulsions. His face was distorted and twisted to one side."

Now while William Parry's book provides a valuable first-hand account of Byron's final months and overall health, this specific, detailed description of a convulsive episode is the most significant and direct one related to a potential seizure. His narrative generally focuses on Byron's activities, his leadership in the Greek War of Independence, and his decline in health leading up to his death from fever. Other mentions of Byron's physical state or distress would be more general symptoms of his overall illness rather than distinct "seizure events" in the same clear manner as the one described above.

Could you give some examples of descriptions of General symptoms of Byron's physical condition

Lord Byron's physical condition was a lifelong concern for him, both due to a congenital deformity and his often-extreme lifestyle. Contemporaries and his own writings offer a range of descriptions, revealing a complex picture of his health.

Here are some examples of descriptions of his general physical condition:

1. The Clubfoot (Congenital Deformity):
This was perhaps the most defining and tormenting physical aspect of Byron's life, though he went to great lengths to conceal it.

Byron's Mother (Catherine Gordon) in a letter, May 8, 1791: "George's foot turns inwards, and it is the right foot; he walks quite on the side of his foot."

Dr. Matthew Baillie (who examined Byron's foot in 1799): "The right foot was inverted and contracted as it were in a heap and of course did not go fully and flatly to the ground."

Edward Trelawny (close friend): Described his walking as a "halting gait" and later, in a republished version of his book, attributed it to "the contraction of the back sinews, which the doctors call 'Tendon Achilles' that prevented his heels resting on the ground and compelled him to walk."

Dr. Julius Millingen (his physician in Greece): Described "congenital malformation of his left [sic] foot and leg. The foot was deformed, and turned inwards and the leg was smaller and shorter than the sound one." (Note: there's historical confusion on whether it was the left or right foot, but the general consensus leans towards the right).
Byron's own self-consciousness: He famously said, contrasting his intellect with his physical flaw, "If THIS, (laying his hand on his forehead,) places me ABOVE the rest of mankind, THAT (pointing to his foot,) places me FAR, FAR below them." He often wore special boots and avoided dancing.

2. Weight Fluctuations and Obsessive Dieting:
Byron was acutely conscious of his weight and appearance, often resorting to extreme measures.

An anonymous contemporary (possibly Leigh Hunt): "Upon seeing Lord Byron, I hardly knew him, he was grown so fat; and he was longer in recognizing me, I had grown so thin." (This highlights the dramatic shifts).

Descriptions of his diets: He would "eat only biscuits and tea for a week," or "potatoes drenched in vinegar." He was known to wear multiple layers of clothing while exercising to sweat off weight.

General observation: He was "terrified of becoming fat, believing that it would result in lethargy and stupidity."

3. Fevers and Debility (Likely Malaria):
Byron suffered from recurrent fevers, particularly after his travels in the Mediterranean.

Byron in a letter to Leigh Hunt (1815): His poetic temperament was generated by "an uneasy mind in an uneasy body."

Byron describing a fever in Venice (1817): "a week of half-delirium, burning skin, thirst, hot headache, horrible pulsation, and no sleep…" He noted it was "similar to one when I caught some years ago in the marshes of Elis, in the Morea" (Greece).

John Galt (biographer): Described Byron, shortly before his death, as suffering from "frequent vertigoes, which made him feel as though he were intoxicated" and later "rigors, fever, and rheumatic pains" after being caught in a rainstorm.

4. General Appearance and Aging:
Contemporaries often noted his striking looks but also perceived signs of premature aging or weariness.

Lady Blessington (1823): "To hear Byron talk of himself, one would suppose that instead of thirty-six he was sixty years old... 'extremely thin', 'peculiarly pale' and his hair 'getting rapidly grey', his 'figure has an almost boyish air'." This shows a contrast in perceptions.

Newton Hanson (visiting in Venice, 1818): "Lord Byron could not have been more than 30, but he looked 40. His face had become pale, bloated, and sallow. He had grown very fat, his shoulders broad and round, and the knuckles of his hands were lost in fat." (This description contradicts Lady Blessington's "extremely thin" observation, again showing the fluctuation in his appearance).

Thomas Medwin (Pisa, 1821): "I saw a man about five feet eight, apparently forty years of age His hair thin and fine, had almost become grey..."

These descriptions highlight that Byron's physical condition was a complex interplay of a chronic congenital defect, self-imposed rigorous (and sometimes unhealthy) routines, and the effects of diseases such as malaria from his travels. These factors contributed to his famous "melancholy" and undoubtedly influenced his life and works.

Now while doing this episode, I originally intended to have just one episode devoted to Lord Byron - but since almost half of this episode concerned epilepsy as a condition and the rest was about Lord Byron, I'm going to conclude the portions of this podcast about Lord Byron in the next episode. He was quite a colorful figure!