Epilepsy and brain damage

Temporal lobe epilepsy is often associated with atrophy and sclerosis of the hippocampus in about 50% of such patients (Mathern, 1999; Mitchell et al., 1999), with yet others demonstrating sclerosis in the amygdala (Wolf & Blumcke 1999).

In fact, according to Gloor (1997, p. 692), "studies on temporal lobe epilepsy provide evidence that the amygdala is involved in many of the common symptoms and signs that occur in the course of temporal lobe seizures."

Gloor (1997, p. 693), also argues that "hippocampal sclerosis is most likely a consequence of prolonged seizures or status epilepticus, particularly when occurring in early childhood and can therefore be regarded as a lesion induced by seizures rather than a causative agent."

This only serves to show that whilst epilepsy may [or may not] produce a spiritual experience,  the fact that it does so via high intensity stimulation is in both the long and short term catastrophic for the poor person involved, and of course eventually they die from the damage done.