A neurological mystery from history: the case of Claudius Caesar

Journal of the History of the Neurosciences
Ali Murad

Abstract

The Roman emperor Claudius suffered from a wide range of physical tics and disabilities. Many scholars have explained these symptoms by hypothesizing that Claudius suffered from cerebral palsy. However, this hypothesis is dated and does not take into account all of the evidence available. This article re-examines ancient historical sources in the light of modern medical knowledge in an attempt to retrospectively diagnose the cause of Claudius's problems. In doing so, it suggests that Claudius may have suffered from Tourette's syndrome.

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Citations

Jun 5, 2012·Brain & Development·Christos PanteliadisFrank Vassilyadi

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