To investigate historical texts and artwork for evidence of severe autonomic dysfunction

While common neurological conditions such as migraines and seizures are well characterized in ancient literature, evidence of significant historical dysautonomia is scant. An analysis of the Bible suggests King David’s accomplishments were tempered by severe autonomic neuropathy.

A literature review of the Old Testament and the King James Bible was conducted for signs and symptoms of neurological dysfunction.

King David, who conquered the Philistine giant Goliath, ruled for 40 years until his death at 70. He developed unmistakable features of autonomic dysfunction - notably, severe hypothermia without compensatory temperature regulation, which is recounted in the Bible as his servants’ attempts to keep him warm through his last marriage to Abishag, a woman sought out for her “unusually warm skin” who “took care of the king and waited on him, but he had no intercourse with her” (1 Kings, The Old Testament). King David’s unconsummated marriage to a striking young woman suggests parasympathetic dysfunction. Furthermore, he potentially suffered from postural instability, as oil canvas renderings from the Renaissance era depict him in a supine position, propped up against pillows. In his old age, he seldom made diplomatic visits, as he was possibly bedridden from postural instability.

King David’s severe cutaneous hypothermia, potential nocturnal parasympathetic dysfunction, and postural instability suggest he suffered from autonomic dysfunction, which has not been mentioned previously in published literature. By drawing parallels between a legendary King’s historic struggle and modern neurological disorders, this research demonstrates the immense evolution of Neurology from BCE to the 21st century by highlighting a case of autonomic neuropathy and its historical treatment in a prominent leader. Just as modern day patients are plagued with chronic neurological conditions with no definitive cure, King David endured his condition with poise and resilience.