Review of the History of ­Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Dysfunction

Non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction (SCDys) is more common than traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in many countries. This review aims to identify key events in the history of SCDys, covering increasing awareness of the spinal cord's role and neuroanatomy knowledge. Understanding the history of SCDys helps appreciate the work of physicians and surgeons who contributed to the field. It also puts current knowledge in a broader context, showing how neurology, neurosurgery, and spinal cord medicine have advanced. By studying SCDys history, we understand the contribution of new advances, appreciate the critical role of research, and explain the challenges research poses.

• 1
  Spina bifida has existed since the dawn of man, with archeological findings supporting this.
• 2
  Hippocrates was the first to describe SCDys resulting from paralysis due to infection of the spinal cord, possibly caused by tuberculosis.
• 3
  Key advances in understanding the blood supply of the spinal cord by Duret, Adamkiewicz, and Kadyi were pivotal in understanding the neuroanatomical basis for infarction and vascular malformations.