Send comments and feedback

Some historic names for epilepsy have been derogatory and stigmatizing. An older term for “epilepsy” in Malay means “mad pig disease.” Neurologists in Malaysia collaborated to change the word to a medically accurate term. Sharp Waves spoke with Dr. Chong Tin Tan about the origins of the older term and how the new term was introduced.

Resources:
Name of epilepsy: Does it matter? - 2012 - Neurology Asia

Announcement of a new Chinese name for epilepsy - Lau - 2011 - Epilepsia 

Changing name of epilepsy in Korea; cerebroelectric disorder (noi‐jeon‐jeung,뇌전증,腦電症) - Kim - 2014 - Epilepsia

Renaming Korean epilepsy: Where are we? - Epilepsy & Behavior 

Awareness, knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy in Malaysia: A perspective of undergraduates in a private university | African Journal of Neurological Sciences 

Overcoming the stigma of epilepsy in Asia // International League Against Epilepsy 

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: [email protected]

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.