Did Joseph Conrad have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?

Abstract

Joseph Conrad's epilepsy is well documented but has received little attention as he had convulsive seizures only in childhood and adolescence. The type of epilepsy has never been discussed. His biography reveals that his condition was decidedly neuropsychiatric with depression, a suicidal attempt, and prominent signs of frontal lobe dysfunction, as is seen typically in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. This diagnosis is supported by a congruent family history and probable lifelong myoclonic seizures including reflex myocloni that were misunderstood as nervosity. It is impressive to see how he disciplined himself to become a great writer against the odds of neuropsychological impairment.