The causal explanation given by a 24-year-old Malay woman from a low socioeconomic class for her epilepsy is described. This case illustrates how cultural explanations can protect an individual from the stigma of illness. The Malay concept of the supernatural and the causation of illness is discussed.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.