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In cases where the onset of fits was late in life the epileptic attacks may be no
more than a symptom of various pathological states, e.g., lesions of vascular and
inflammatory origin or advanced arterial pressure.
The following are examples:—
S.C. aet. 78.—Onset of fits at 39 years. She had to identify her husband at the
mortuary and had a "stroke" (left hemiplegia). Subject to fits ever since. Attacks come
in series on an average every three months. Mentally normal.
H.W. aet. 66.—Developed fits at 50 years of age after an emotional shock. Widow—
has had 14 children. Fits infrequent—seven in 1930. Mentally normal.
B.E. aet. 86.—First fit at 68 years (no cause given). Widow with 9 children. Has a
series of fits—very severe—on an average once a month. Mentally normal.
I.B. aet. 82.—First fit at 47 years (no cause given). Was a hospital nurse. Widow.
On the other hand, M.H. aet. 72, widow with five children, has had fits all her life.
Mentally normal.
E.H. aet. 75, also mentally normal, has had them since infancy.
Delinquent
defectives.
The records of the cases seen at the remand prisons have been investigated by
Dr. Duncan for Holloway and Dr. Williams for Wormwood Scrubs and Brixton.
Women.—During 1930 and 1931, 31 women were examined. Two (one, psychoneurotic
and one border line insanity) were not certifiable, and 29 were deemed to
be mentally defective within the meaning of the Mental Deficiency Acts.