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More than a century after his death the famous artist Vincent van Gogh is back in the news – not for his art but because of a new theory as to how he lost his ear.

There had been general agreement that van Gogh’s head wound was self-inflicted, subsequent to an argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Now two German art historians claim there is evidence to support the theory that Gauguin himself dislodged van Gogh’s ear. Apparently Gauguin was as mighty with the sword and he was with the pen and ink.

Apart from the ear injury van Gogh had an interest in medical history. It has been suggested his liking for yellow was as a result of a side effect of a medication he was taking for his heart. He also suffered from epilepsy confirming that this condition no way adversely affects intelligence. In fact, other high achievers were also victims of variable brain waves. Scientists Edison and Einstein, writers Socrates and Dickens and musicians Handel and Tchaikovsky are all known to have had epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a comparatively common condition – about 2% of Australians are affected by epilepsy at some time in their lives. So it is well known, but not well understood. National Epilepsy Awareness Week, which is celebrated during May each year, sets out to address these misunderstandings.

The myths began many centuries ago. The Babylonians first described epilepsy as the “falling down disease” – a fairly reasonable description; but they also believed it affected people who were possessed by demons and ghosts.

During the Middle Ages, it was thought that epilepsy was a contagious disease. The ancient Greek physicians led by Hippocrates were less superstitious although they did believe epilepsy was passed on through families from one generation to the next. Of course, epilepsy is not contagious, nor is it really a disease. We now know that there are genetic causes, but there are many other causes too; and in about half the cases the actual cause is not known.

Actually, there are several types of epilepsy. In the so-called “tonic-clonic” epilepsy, which used to be known as grand mal, the person falls, goes stiff, and shakes all over. They may be unconscious for several minutes. This is probably the typical image of epilepsy. “Absence” seizures (petit mal) are like a blank spell. The person stops what they are doing and just stares for between 5 and 30 seconds. This type of seizure occurs mainly in primary school age children. The child may have problems paying attention in class resulting in learning difficulties.

“Complex partial” seizures are probably the most misunderstood because this form of epilepsy can be mistaken for drunkenness or drug abuse due to similar behaviour patterns. The person having one of these seizures may wander aimlessly, mumble and be glassy-eyed. In the 17th century, German chemist Johann Hartmann recommended as a treatment for epilepsy “a powder to be compounded only in May, June or July from the livers of live green frogs”.

Much more recently there have been significant advances in the treatment of epilepsy with some new medicines becoming available. These medicines, usually taken in conjunction with older preparations, can mean better control with fewer side effects, and not a frog in sight.

And there is new general information about epilepsy as well. The Epilepsy Fact Card is available from pharmacies around Australia providing the Self Care health information. For the location of your nearest Self Care Pharmacy phone 1300 369 772 or log on to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia website at www.psa.org.au.

©2009 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

The research suggested three to five cups of coffee a day may have a protective effect, possibly due to the antioxidant content. Meanwhile, however, a separate study published recently by psychologists from Durham University in the UK showed a link between heavy coffee consumption and hallucinations. The role of diet in increasing or decreasing the risk of dementia (and indeed other medical conditions) clearly needs more investigation.

Remaining mentally alert, physically active, drinking in moderation and not smoking at all presently seem to be the best options to take. (Check out the Alzheimer’s Australia website).

While dementia generally, and Alzheimer’s disease specifically, attract a great deal of attention, we are probably somewhat less aware of another common neurological condition – Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition – a disorder of the brain – that affects the control of body movements. It is both chronic and progressive. That is: chronic because it is long lasting and progressive because the symptoms get worse over time. Just how many people in Australia are affected by PD is unknown, but estimates are upwards of 100,000, with over four million people affected worldwide.

It was first described as “paralysis agitans” by the English physician James Parkinson. Dr Parkinson, the son of a London apothecary, was also notable as a palaeontologist, geologist and political activist: however, the results of his study of rocks and fossils paled into insignificance compared with his Essay on the Shaking Palsy in 1817. Sixty years after his astute observations, his own name was applied to the condition he so vividly recorded.

PD usually affects people over 50, with the average age for the initial onset of the disease being 60 years. But younger people can also be affected.

While PD is not life threatening, it is life altering. It has a significant impact on a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks – their powers of perception, social functioning and ability to communicate. For the person with PD, there is almost an inevitable increase in dependence on carers.

It is still not known exactly what causes Parkinson’s disease. In most cases it seems to develop for no obvious reason. Nevertheless, some risk factors have been identified.

Environmental toxins such as pesticides and herbicides are thought to increase the risk of PD, and repeated head trauma, as is likely to occur with what some people call the “sport” of boxing, is associated with increased risk.

Mohammad Ali, one of the most recognisable faces in the sporting world, fought a verbal battle with Michael Parkinson in an interview about 35 years ago; but for the last 25 years his fight has been with Parkinson’s disease – almost certainly as a result of boxing-related trauma.

Canadian-born TV and film actor, Michael J Fox, is another to have given PD celebrity status when he disclosed that he had the disease in 1998. It had been diagnosed seven years earlier when he was just 30 years of age.

As well as tremor, the classical symptom of PD, other symptoms might include stiffness and rigidity of the muscles, slowness of movement, and poor balance and co-ordination.

A number of medicines are used to limit the severity of these symptoms; and physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy may also help. Dietary modification can assist too, particularly to enhance the effect of medicines or reduce the side effects. But, so far, no indication of benefit from coffee!

For more information on Parkinson’s disease, visit your Self Care Pharmacy. Phone the Pharmaceutical Society on 1300 369 772 or visit the website www.psa.org.au for your nearest location.

©2009 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia