Frerichs’ clinical account for the first time recognised remissions as a characteristic feature of MS. In addition, he described nystagmus (jerky eye movements) as a symptom of the disease, this sign later being incorporated into the famous Charcot’s triad.
Other relevant posts on this blog:
Multiple Sclerosis Research: History of MS (3): Sir August d’Esté …
01 Jul 2011
History of MS (3): Sir August d’Esté (1794-1848). After St. Lidwina the next historical description of MS appeared in 19th century; a personal account of the illness by Sir Augustus d’Esté, the illegitimate grandson of George III …
Multiple Sclerosis Research: History of MS (2): St. Lidwina of …
26 Jun 2011
History of MS (2): St. Lidwina of Schiedam (1380-1433). “I believe that studying or being aware of the history of MS is important; it may provide important insights into the origins of the disease and important clues to its cause.” …
Multiple Sclerosis Research: History of MS (4): Robert Carswell …
10 Jul 2011
History of MS (4): Robert Carswell (1793-1857). The first description of the pathology of MS was made by Robert Carswell, a pathologist of the mid 19th century. During a postmortem, Carswell found lesions in the spinal cord …
Multiple Sclerosis Research: History of MS (1): Russell Brains …
23 Jun 2011
History of MS (1): Russell Brains Monologue. Murray T. Russell Brains Review of MS. Int MS J. 2011 May;17(2):50-3. In 1930 there were many conflicting views on the cause, incidence, precipitating factors, inheritance and …
Multiple Sclerosis Research: History of MS (5): Jean Cruveilhier …
21 Jul 2011
Cruveilhier’s contribution to the field goes beyond his description of its pathology; he was the first to record the clinical history of a patient later found to have neuronal lesions. His notes recall that the woman: “had been ill six …