Historical Vignettes

Hydrocephalus, derived from the Greek words hydro (water) and kephalē (head), meaning "water in the brain," has intrigued, baffled, and challenged humanity from ancient civilizations to today's advanced neurosurgical era.

In the rich tapestry of medical history some threads stand out not only for their scientific significance but also for their human drama. The story of Wilson disease (WD), or Wilson's disease as it was originally known, is one of such fascinating threads.

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS), also known as Acquired Epileptic Aphasia, is a rare neurological condition characterized by sudden or gradual aphasia and epileptiform EEG abnormalities in previously healthy children. The historical trajectory of LKS reflects a rich collaboration between neurology and speech pathology.

The intersection of art and medicine provides unique insights into historical conditions and perceptions of disability.

Significant historical advances, theories, and practices surrounding cerebral palsy from ancient times through the mid-20th century.

In the spring of 1861, in a quiet ward of Paris’s Bicêtre Hospital, a man named Louis Victor Leborgne — known simply as “Tan” — lay dying. For more than two decades, he had been confined within the hospital, able to utter only a single syllable.

From Aristotle to Sherrington, neuroscientific exploration of the nervous system's integrative action has primarily focused on motor functions, yielding significant insights into the roles of the spinal cord and cerebral cortex.

In the early 20th century, medicine was making rapid strides. The microscope had unveiled hidden worlds, and physicians were beginning to unlock mysteries of previously baffling illnesses.

Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is now a well-recognized condition. However, its discovery and understanding were long journeys marked by scientific curiosity, serendipity, and technological advancements. 

Friedrich Horner, a Swiss ophthalmologist born in Zurich in 1831, left an indelible mark on medical science through his meticulous work on oculosympathetic lesions.

Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne (September 17, 1806 – September 15, 1875) stands as one of the towering figures in the history of neurology, credited with groundbreaking advancements in electrophysiology and diagnostics.

Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affecting females, is characterized by profound physical and cognitive impairments. It was first described in 1966 by Dr. Andreas Rett, an Austrian pediatrician whose tireless work has since catalyzed a deeper understanding of the condition.