title: Lewis and Clark treat a case of paralysis: speculation on the etiology of the problem.
abstract: In their monumental journey across North America and back, the explorers Lewis and Clark encountered and treated a Native American Chief with flaccid paralysis of about five years duration. The etiology of the paralysis is unclear from the historical sources. Intracranial, spinal cord, neuropathic, neuromuscular and muscular diagnoses are possible. The diagnosis that appears best to fit the case, however, is conversion disorder. In spite of limited diagnostic and treatment resources, the unfortunate man was apparently treated successfully.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
authors.forename: Frank H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Lawler
mesh_terms: D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history; D005197:Famous Persons; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy