Genealogy Chat

Have to agree with Brian on this one. www.paul_smith.doctors.org.uk is a brilliant site for any medical condition known to man (and women)

Hi Jaqui I didn't mean to be rude about it not being on the website - that part of the message was for Brian really. The person in question died in 1890 and was a dock labourer. Probably hard on the old back as well! Anne

It might not be on the website but I obtained the description from the Nurse's Dictionary so sure it's correct. As a matter of interest what was the occupation of this ancestor? My grt-grt-grandfather was listed on 1891 census as having a "spinal complaint". Now he was a tailor, and I like to think of him as sitting cross-legged stitching away by candle-light, thus causing his back to be bowed over - no idea if I'm right, but it seems logical - especially as a colleague's grandfather who was also a tailor had the same complaint, and totally unsolicited he came up with the same thoughts as me. Jacqui

Thanks to both of you for quick reply. I had wondered about sclerosis. Neither term is on the website though (which seems to have moved to 'Old medical terms') Anne

http://www.paul_smith.doctors.org.uk/amt1.htm Try this sight,might be of help

When I looked at the words I immediately thought of Disseminated Sclerosis which has to do with the "hardening of any part from an overgrowth of fibrous and connective tissue, often due to chronic inflatmmation - degeneration of the motor nerves tract and anterior cells in the spinal cord - characterizes by weekness and spasm of limb muscles with wasting of the muscle, difficulty in talking and swallowing". Sounds about right then, don't you think? Jacqui

An ancestor's death cert. says he died of "Disseminated Selensis of the spinal cord. Debility" Has anyone got any idea what this could be? The writing is very clear but I suppose it could have been incorrectly written down. My medically trained kids have no idea what it could be! Anne