The human limbic system provides the anatomical basis for our
emotions. Epilepsy often arises in limbic areas and gives rise to
prominent personality and emotional changes, ranging from profound
alterations in drive-related behaviors such as sexual and
aggressive thoughts and actions to more subtle and nuanced changes
in social and emotional behavior. The history of our understanding
of limbic involvement in epilepsy is reviewed and a focus on
individual case studies that have provided unique insights into
understanding both epilepsy and the limbic system. The role of
familiarity in the temporal lobe and its relevance to delusions and
other disorders will be discussed.