Episcope, a Historical Note

GH Monrad-Krohn. Epilepsy and Motoring Epilepsia 1939 1: 192-95

This is, to my knowledge, the first published article concerned with the problem of ‘driving and epilepsy’. It fascinated me on two particular counts.

First, is the modernity of Monrad-Krohn’s observations on this topic. Sixty-seven years later, the issues he raised are still central issues, and the recommendations he made (3 years seizure-freedom, continued medication, declaration from an authorised neurologist etc.) are still very similar to those in place in many countries today.

Second is the light the article throws on social attitude – the doctor as policeman and instrument of social control; issues of patient confidentiality (Monrad-Krohn refers to ‘professional secrecy’); authoritarianism in medicine; the emphasis on lifestyle issues in the control of epilepsy.

The paper is a short and interesting insight into societal control of epilepsy in Europe in the pre-war years.