Epilepsy, Hmong Culture, and Western Medicine
From: Hoang t. Dieu-Hien <dieuhien@u.washington.edu>
Date: May 18, 2006 10:50 AM
Subject: [Vsg] Epilepsy, Hmong Culture, and Western Medicine
Dear list,
A while back, someone asked about epilepsy in Vietnam on the list. The interview from the following web site is with Ann Fadiman, the author of the book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Fadiman spoke of the Hmong beliefs regarding epilepsy, among other things. I wonder if similar beliefs exist among other cultures (including Kinh) in Vietnam?
Whether you are interested in the Hmong beliefs regarding epilepsy, the book is highly recommended. I use it to teach nursing students on the importance of trying to see things from the patients' points of view.
http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063680870.html
Regards,
dh
From: Chuck Searcy <chucksearcy@yahoo.com>
Date: May 19, 2006 12:24 AM
Subject: Re: [Vsg] Epilepsy, Hmong Culture, and Western Medicine
Everyone,
I strongly second Dieu-Hien's recommendation. This is an excellent book -- as much about disconnects between cultures as about epilepsy, and the author manages to treat everyone with respect, exploring differences while blaming no one. Extremely useful and revealing, sad while somehow uplifting.
Chuck Searcy