Roman History: Julius Caesar Suffered From “Mini-Strokes” Rather Than Epilepsy

According to a new study conducted by the researchers on the symptoms exhibited by the Roman general Julius Caesar, he might have suffered a series of mini-strokes,rather than epilepsy. The recent revelation is expected to turn around the age-old diagnosis of epilepsy based on a certain set of symptoms.

History suggests that the man who played a great role in establishing the Roman empire suffered a number of medical ailments, including dizziness and vertigo. In addition, he used to fall down occasionally because of limb weakness and his insensibility towards it, reported The Guardian.

One of the greatest military leaders of his time, Caesar suffered multiple falls in Spain and Africa during his campaigns. He collapsed during the battle of Thapsus, modern Tunisia, that took place in 46 BC. According to Caesar's philosophy, he had fallen down because of an epilepsy attack. The biography was compiled by the great Greek historian, Plutarch. According to Plutarch, Caeser was transferred to a neighbouring tower where he stayed quietly during the battle,” reported Discovery News.

According to another Roman historian, Suetonius, Caesar suffered “fainting fits and nightmares” towards the end of his life. Suetonius called his disease as “Morbus comitialis.”

The biographical accounts by Suetonius and Plutarch have been used for diagnosis of epilepsy since times immemorial. However, the latest study by the researchers at the Imperial College, London, claims that the dictator suffered from multiple “mini-strokes.”

“The theory that Caesar was epileptic appears not to have very solid philological foundations. If carefully re-examined, the facts appear to suggest a simpler and more logical diagnosis of stroke,” said Francesco M. Galassi, reported Discovery News.

According to the Galassi and his colleague Hutan Ashrafian, the mini-strokes not only damaged Caesae physically but also affected his mental state. Caesar reportedly suffered from depression and personality changes, symptoms which might be associated with a cerebrovascular disease.

The review has been published in the journal Neurological Sciences.

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