Franklin Delano Roosevelt: the Diagnosis of Poliomyelitis Revisited

Publication date: Available online 10 May 2016 Source:PM&R Author(s): John F. Ditunno, Bruce E. Becker, Gerald J. Herbison Revisiting the ailments of famous historical persons in light of contemporary medical understanding has become a common academic hobby. Public discussion of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s (FDR) diagnosis of poliomyelitis following his sudden onset of paralysis in 1921 has received just such a revisitation. Recently, this 2003 historical analysis has been widely referenced on the Internet and in biographies raising speculation that his actual diagnosis should have been Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a non-contagious disease of the peripheral nervous system rather than poliomyelitis. The authors of that 2003 analysis used a statistical analysis of his case by selectively choosing some of his reported symptoms. However, FDR’s diagnosis of poliomyelitis was fully supported by the findings of leading expert physicians of that time who were very knowledgeable in the then-common disease and who periodically examined him during the period of 1921—1924. The most significant diagnostic features of polio are the absence of objective sensory findings in the presence of flaccid motor paralysis. These features are consistent with diagnostic criteria extant during the periods of major poliomyelitis epidemics as well as those of the Center for Disease Control 90 years later. Additional findings of fever, prodromal hyperesthesia, more severe residual proxim...
Source: PMandR - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research