An Irony of Epilepsy

    In the early days of the world, especially in the beginning of what every human life took to be called ‘civilization’; epilepsy was usually seen as more of a curse or some form of spiritual damnation which had befallen certain unfortunate individuals. Perhaps in the time of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmsdale;(or in that of the fellow whose image had promoted a world-famous oatmeal brand); an individual who was found to encounter bodily convulsions, foam at the mouth, and have his/ her eyes roll back up into their sockets would be hiding from a lynch mob carrying torches or ropes with hangmen’s nooses fashioned at its end. These would-be practitioners of God’s justice would not even think twice to show some mercy and have the woe-begotten soul wear a piece of cloth with the letter ‘E’ stitched on it, instead; even if it were to suggest the world “evil” and not the technical term of the neurological handicap.

    Fortunately, for the Emperors Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte; their stature may have saved them from the condemnation of the ignorant masses. And it would have been probable that their families and trusted servants who knew of their illnesses already had a more ancient term which went: “Conceal yon truths ‘neath folded sheets”; equivalent to the present days’: “Let’s keep it under wraps”.

    In modern times, when people are more knowledgeable and versed with medical illnesses; epilepsy is not so feared and looked upon in the manner it was misunderstood centuries ago. In fact, it is not taken as seriously as that of a person with a missing leg, or a severe case of rheumatism. A social network site for epileptics had members complaining that a medical branch of the Philippine government does not consider epilepsy as a disability any longer. Perhaps it is also because of its reputation as not being a fatal illness; at least not directly.

    Since most epileptics do not have an outer countenance that suggests their illness, there is a possibility that they could easily be disregarded as individuals free of any handicap.

    I had encountered and incident when I was waiting for my wife just outside the line of cashiers at a renowned supermarket at Laguna. Tired, I decided to sit down at a plastic bench provided for senior citizens and persons with disability. A security guard approached me and claimed that I was not supposed to sit there. When I protested that I was an epileptic; he just sneered and repeated himself. I stood up and sarcastically asked him if I had to “strut my stuff” in front of him to prove my point. We exchanged unfavorable stares and then parted ways.

The irony of epilepsy at present, and in the past, is simply put this way:

·        During the years of ignorance, an epileptic had to plead to the many around him to believe the truth that he was not possessed by an evil spirit; and that he was supposed to be considered as any other ordinary mortal; blessed and loved by the heavens.

·        In the new age of technological and medical advancements; a person with a case of epilepsy had to convince the people around him that he was an “unfortunate” soul with a handicap, or disability, in order to earn their consideration and respect;…(before he turned green or his head ignited with flames).

                                                                                                                                                                 

With this irony, epileptics will have to withstand and face the manner society treats them. They are fortunate to be shown mercy in the past centuries; and not strung at the gallows. In the same way, they are lucky enough if they take a seat on a public utility vehicle-designated for disabled persons, and not told by a grouchy senior citizen to move their rear end and surrender the spot they occupied.