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Indiana University Studies 



regular routine, tho supplied with varying interests; together 

 with a simple, moderate diet and regular sleep is most favorable 

 to all eases. It is most difficult, however, if not altogether impos- 

 sible, to follow this regime outside of an institution. 



Epilepsy seems to be almost equally divided between the sexes. 

 Its course is progressive, tending always toward dementia. Its 

 rapidity of progression depends more upon the frequency of the 

 seizures than upon their severity. Excitement, overeating, stimu- 

 lants, loss of sleep, or irregular hours tend to increase their fre- 

 quency. There is often a period just preceding, just following, 

 or taking the place of a seizure, during which the patient is vio- 

 lent. He may be destructive of property or may be homicidal or 

 suicidal. Persons at other times most gentle often become 

 maniacal and must be restrained. As no one knows just when 

 these' attacks may occur — even tho the individual may never 

 before have exhibited the tendency — it is dangerous to allow the 

 epileptic to live in the community with normal persons. He is a 

 menace on the street, in the home, or in the school. Moreover, his 

 chief characteristic at all times is irritability. This, together 

 with a nature given to suspicion and to falsehood, makes him an 

 unpleasant companion and a blot upon the home life. 



The following chart, prepared by Dr. G. G. Kineon^, based on 

 a series of 5,607 cases, shows : 



That 25 per cent of epilepsy begins at ages from 1 to 5 years 

 That 14 per cent of epilepsy begins at ages from 5 to 10 years 

 That 20 per cent of epilepsy begins at ages from 10 to 15 years 

 That 5 per cent of epilepsy begins at ages from 25 to 30 years 

 That 7 per cent of epilepsy begins at ages from 30 to 40 years 



Dividing the age of onset into quinquennial periods, we find 

 there are two periods when epilepsy most frequently manifests 

 itself. The first period is from one to five years, in which 25 per 

 cent of 5,607 cases occurred. Since onset is most frequent in the 

 first year of life and continues up to the fifth year, it is possible 

 that its occurrence may bear some relation to the anatomical 

 development of the brain of the child, also to the first and second 

 dentition. The next most frequent age of onset is the period 

 between the ages of ten to fifteen years, the time when puberty 

 with its accompanying changes is established. 



' Superintendent, the Ohio Hospital for Epileptics, Gallipolis, Ohio. 



