MS Through History
Friedrich von Frerichs (1819-1885)
In 1849, the German pathologist Friedrich Theodor von Frerichs brought medical recognition of MS a step closer by elaborating on the clinical description of MS provided by Cruveilhier and identifying specific symptoms and key features of the illness.
A decade after the first illustrations of neuronal lesions had been published, knowledge of MS was still largely pathoanatomical, although Cruveilhier had recorded the first clinical history.
Frerichs' clinical account for the first time recognised remissions as a characteristic feature of MS. In addition, he described nystagmus as a symptom of the disease, this physical sign later being incorporated into the famous Charcot's triad.
Frerichs also made a major contribution by providing the first medical description of mental disorders in MS, recognising the possible impact of the disease on cognitive and other higher functions of the brain.
