Jane Austen's (1775–1817) references to headache: fact and fiction

Abstract

References to headache in Jane Austen's works, both fictional and non-fictional, and in biographical works undertaken by Austen family members have been collated. These multiple references suggest that Jane Austen used headache as a narrative device to reflect not only physiological bodily processes but also psychological states, possibly based on her own experience of headache and that of female relations and acquaintances.

Headache in the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell (1810–1865)

“…48 Although Easson does not specifically mention headache, it might be eminently susceptible to such an interpretation, as has been argued for the use of headache by Jane Austen in her novels. 8…”

“…Interest in Gaskell’s life and work has developed greatly in recent times, facilitated by publication of her extant correspondence 1–3 and biographical accounts 4,5 including that of Uglow, 4 which is the most comprehensive, from which it is evident that Elizabeth Gaskell suffered from headaches 6 and, like other 19th century female novelists, 7–9 she makes use of headache in her novels. Although a possible reference to mesmerism in one letter has been noted, 10 references to medical matters in Gaskell’s oeuvre, and to headache in particular, 6 have not yet attracted significant attention.…”

‘Black and white and every wrong colour’: The medical history of Jane Austen and the possibility of systemic lupus erythematosus

“…6 (Figure 1) In 1813 she developed severe headaches with pain in her face, serious enough for her to ‘rest a cushion against her cheek’ which is suggestive of trigeminal neuralgia in the absence of any other neurological symptoms. 7…”