History and Humanities
The ecstatic epilepsy of Teresa of Jesus
La epilepsia extática de Teresa de Jesús
Rev Neurol 2003
, 37(9),
879–887;
https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.3709.2003291
Abstract
AIMS. Our aim is to define the ecstasies (raptures) of Teresa de Ahumada (Teresa of Jesus) and to link them with ecstasies recently identified as convulsive seizures (Dostoevsky’s epilepsy, Saint Paul’s disease, ecstatic epilepsy). DEVELOPMENT and
CONCLUSIONS We review the Carmelite nun’s pathography, with special attention given to the excellent detailed descriptions of her ecstasies. The stereotypic movements and comparison with similar cases leads us to consider them as being epileptic, possibly secondary to neurocysticercosis.
CONCLUSIONS We review the Carmelite nun’s pathography, with special attention given to the excellent detailed descriptions of her ecstasies. The stereotypic movements and comparison with similar cases leads us to consider them as being epileptic, possibly secondary to neurocysticercosis.
Resumen
Objetivo Se pretende definir los éxtasis (arrobamientos) de Teresa de Ahumada (Teresa de Jesús) y relacionarlos con éxtasis recientemente identificados como crisis comiciales (epilepsia de Dostoievski, enfermedad de san Pablo, epilepsia extática). Desarrollo y conclusiones. Se revisa la patografía de la carmelita, en particular sus muy bien descritos éxtasis. La estereotipia de éstos y la comparación con casos similares permite considerarlos epilépticos, posiblemente secundarios a una cisticercosis cerebral.
Keywords
Cysticercosis
Epilepsy
Fits of ecstasy
History
Psychic aura
Palabras Claves
Aura psíquica
Cisticercosis
Crisis extáticas
Epilepsia
Historia