Abstract Details

Title The Odyssey and the brain

Topic Research Methodology, Education, and History

Presentation(s) History of Neurology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 002

Background

Greek mythology has remained alluring to audiences for centuries. As philosophical texts they were the foundation of pre-Socratic philosophy and pre-Hippocratic medicine. The Odyssey is believed to have been transcribed around 8th century BC, but existed as part of tradition and folklore long before then.

The importance of the nervous system has been shown in Homeric poems. Medical terms often have greek or roman origin, and from mythology. Numerous medical and neurological references are found in greek scriptures.

Objective To review "Homer's Odyssey" from the 8th century BC for any neurological references.

Design/Methods We reviewed Homer's The Odyssey for any references of neurological value.

Results

The brain is mentioned multiple times in passages depicting bloody injuries. The importance of the brain for life is also noted in these references. Neck injuries leading to death, trauma to the mastoid bone, effects of sedating drugs and seizures are found in the text. Anatomical descriptions also exist of the neck and optic nerve.

Conclusions Greek mythology and Homeric epics serve to teach us the breadth of human imagination, early philosophical beliefs and the foundations of modern medicine. Insights into neurology within these texts highlight the importance of observation as a fundamental skill of any physician. Studying these texts help further the understanding of the pre-Hippocratic era of medicine.

Authors/Disclosures
Shameer Rafee, MBBS (Shameer Rafee, Dept of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital) PRESENTER	Dr. Rafee has nothing to disclose.
Niall Tubridy, MD (St Vincent's University Hospital)	Dr. Tubridy has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Novartis .