• epilepsy

Our neurology department’s book club recently discussed The Music Room by William Fiennes, author of the acclaimed The Snow Geese and member of the historic Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes family that includes explorer Ranulph and actor Ralph. In the book, Fiennes describes his upbringing in a moated castle, intertwined with the story of Rich, his older brother who has epilepsy. Rich’s seizures are made to seem routine through his dutiful parents’ skilful management. However, the overall serenity of the picture is broken by an episode of status epilepticus, after which Rich’s behaviour changes and he becomes prone to outbursts and unpredictability. The family seem to take this in their stride and still manage to involve him in the custodial duties of life in a stately home …