When Seizures Shaped a Life: Historical Americans and Epilepsy
Epilepsy has long been a part of the human experience, often misunderstood and sometimes feared. In the United States, several historical figures have had epilepsy or seizure-like episodes, with their conditions documented through personal writings, medical records, or biographical accounts. These individuals' lives were shaped by their neurological conditions, influencing their actions, decisions, and legacies. Their stories offer insight into the challenges and resilience associated with epilepsy in historical contexts. Understanding these stories can shed light on the ways epilepsy impacted leadership, creativity, and everyday life in American history. Find out more about how these historical Americans and epilepsy are intertwined.
Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913) – Visions, “Sleeping Spells,” and Underground Railroad Courage
Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, is renowned for her role in the Underground Railroad, guiding enslaved individuals to freedom. Her extraordinary courage was accompanied by lifelong neurological effects from a traumatic head injury she sustained in her youth. Tubman was struck in the head by a heavy weight thrown by an overseer, resulting in recurrent seizures, headaches, and vivid dreams that she interpreted as visions guiding her missions.
“The severe injury left her suffering from headaches, seizures, vivid visions and sleeping spells that affected her for the rest of her life.”¹
Despite these challenges, Tubman became a symbol of courage and determination, leading numerous missions to rescue enslaved people and later serving as a nurse and spy during the Civil War. Her story demonstrates the resilience of individuals living with neurological disorders long before modern treatments were available.
Henry “H.M.” Molaison (1926–2008) – Childhood Epilepsy, Radical Surgery, and the Science of Memory
Henry Molaison, known in scientific literature as H.M., suffered severe epilepsy beginning in childhood. In 1953, he underwent a radical bilateral medial temporal lobectomy to alleviate the seizures. The operation successfully reduced his seizures but left him unable to form new long-term memories, a condition known as anterograde amnesia.
“I don't remember — that's my problem.”²
Molaison’s condition provided a unique opportunity for scientists to study human memory, significantly advancing our understanding of the brain. His case illustrates how epilepsy can intersect with medical innovation, ultimately shaping the field of neuroscience.
Phineas P. Gage (1823–1860) – Catastrophic Head Injury, Later Seizures, and Changing Science
Phineas Gage's 1848 accident, in which a tamping iron penetrated his skull, is one of the most famous cases in neuroscience. Although he initially survived, Gage experienced significant personality changes and later developed seizures, which contributed to his declining health and eventual death in 1860.
“In February 1860, Gage began to have epileptic seizures.”³
Gage’s story illustrates the long-term neurological consequences of traumatic brain injury and early observations of the brain’s role in personality and behavior.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) – The Secret Epilepsy of a President
President Franklin D. Roosevelt is believed to have experienced seizures, particularly during the later years of his presidency. Neurologist Dr. Steven Lomazow presented evidence suggesting that Roosevelt's health issues, including fainting spells and other symptoms, were consistent with epilepsy.
“Dr. Lomazow makes a compelling case for the diagnosis of epilepsy for one of America's greatest Presidents.”⁴
This revelation adds depth to Roosevelt’s legacy, demonstrating how public figures manage personal health challenges while leading the nation through crises.
Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) – Military Hero with Suspected Epilepsy
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, suffered numerous injuries during his military career, including a gunshot wound to the chest. Some historians believe he experienced seizure-like episodes, possibly related to these injuries.
“Jackson's health problems, including episodes of severe pain and possible seizures, have been documented in historical records.”⁵
Despite these health challenges, Jackson achieved prominence as a military leader and political figure, illustrating resilience in the face of physical and neurological adversity.
Conclusion: Understanding the Past to Inform the Present
The lives of these historical Americans show how epilepsy and seizure disorders have intersected with leadership, creativity, and personal resilience. From Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary courage to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s concealed health battles, these stories highlight the human experience of living with epilepsy before modern medical understanding and treatment. Studying these biographies helps us appreciate the challenges these individuals faced and the triumphs they achieved despite neurological conditions. Their legacies remind us that epilepsy has always shaped history, not just in private life but in public impact as well.
Footnotes
- Kate Clifford Larson, Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero (Ballantine, 2004).
- Suzanne Corkin, Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H.M. (Basic Books, 2013).
- John Martyn Harlow, case notes on Phineas Gage, 1868.
- Dr. Steven Lomazow, “Secret Epilepsy of Franklin D. Roosevelt,” Epilepsy.com.
- Historical documentation on Andrew Jackson’s health, countrysideneurology.com.
0 comments