I. Introduction In the year 1973, Dr. Oliver Sacks published a book entitled Awakenings that focused on the epidemic of Encephalitis lethargica that spread worldwide from 1917 to 1928. Constantin Von Economo, an Austrian Psychiatrist and Neurologist, described Encephalitis Lethargica as a disorder exhibiting as an influenza type illness also known as The Sleepy Sickness. This unusual and bizarre illness desecrated millions throughout the globe. It killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide – and young people; distinctly women were the most susceptible to the breakdown. Among the remnants, victims tended to be in a coma frequently for months and some, for years. But in 1928, as unexpected as it came out,…
In the movie, Awakenings, there were many actual depictions of what happened during the trial. The actual events of the drug trial were performed by Dr. Oliver Sacks who asked that his name be changed in the movie. During the 1920s there was an epidemic of encephalitis lethargica that spread worldwide. Symptoms of encephalitis begin with high fever, headache, and sore throat. Progression of the disease has symptoms of muscle pain, tremors, slowing of physical and mental response as well as…
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be trapped inside your own body? Or to have an IQ of 68? These fantasies were realities for Leonard Lowe and Charlie Gordon. Charlie is a 37 year-old man with an IQ of 68 who dreams of being smart. He is picked for an operation to become smart and goes through with it, but who knows if it will work? Leonard Lowe was put into a catatonic state at age 11 because of a disease called encephalitis. He is discovered by Dr. Sayer who puts him on the L-Dopa…
Encephalitis as defined as simply as possible is; inflammation of the brain. That four-word definition packs a lot of potentially horrific lifelong challenges for those whom suffer from it unfortunately. Inflammation is a response of our immune systems to both infection and or invasion. With encephalitis the inflammation happening in our brain’s makes the tissue become inflamed and swollen. This combination leads to headaches and fevers in addition to a wide range of other symptoms that can be…
Stool Holding (Encopresis)- Overview- The encopresis occurs when the child resists the bowel movements, resulting in a compact collection of stool in the colon and rectum. This generally causes then loose stools in places unsuitable. Encopresis usually occurs after the age of 4, when the child has already learned to use the toilet. In most cases, encopresis is a symptom of chronic constipation. Less frequently, it may be the result of developmental problems or emotional. The encopresis can be…
Encephalitis Pathogen/Cause: What causes the disease (virus, bacteria, fungus, protist, …)? Encephalitis is a viral infection that has multiple different causes. Encephalitis can be caused by the herpes simplex virus, and although this is rare, this type of encephalitis can cause severe brain damage or even death. Encephalitis can also be caused by animals. If a person were to come into contact with an infected animal (an animal with rabies), or be bitten by one, then the person can contract…
Encephalitis Lethargica (EL) and Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) are both disorders that affect a certain bodily System. Bodily Disorders can upset homeostasis and cause problems with even the most normal functions that the body performs. EL and FOP are two such disorders that can wreak havoc on the body and severely inhibit a person's ability to function regularly. Encephalitis Lethargica and Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva are disorders of the…
Her argument proves that the Salem Witchcraft hysteria was not a product of women’s search for power, but was the people’s responses to biological situations in colonial times. This is because the symptoms of Encephalitis Lethargica match what these young girls experienced, “traditional” women were also accused and killed, and Carlson has a stronger explanation to explain the fits. Koehler argues that the Salem witch hysteria was caused by women’s search for power, yet his argument seems…
story of a doctor’s struggle to help victims of comatose is well worth watching, but not suitable for young children. In the winter of 1916-1917, an epidemic of a rare disease occurred, springing up, as virus diseases sometimes do, seemingly out of nowhere. It spread over Europe and then to other parts of the world and affected some five million people. The onset of the disease was sudden and took different forms. Some people developed acute restlessness or insomnia or dementia. Others fell…
Sacks and Steven Zaillan. The main Character was Robin Williams as Dr. Malcolm Sayer. According to the Author, Dr. Malcolm Sayer happened to discover effects of the drug L-dopa to the catatonic patients who survived the epidemic lethargic. The perseverance of Dr. Malcolm Sayer is the main reason why the patients that are epidemic are not giving up and because of him, they somehow got hope for their sickness. In the movie awakenings, The families of the patients who has epidemic lethargic…