Open AccessMary Broadfoot Walker (1888–1974): A Historic Discovery in Myasthenia gravis
Author(s) -
John Pearce
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
european neurology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.573
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1421-9913
pISSN - 0014-3022
DOI - 10.1159/000084268
Subject(s) - myasthenia gravis , physostigmine , weakness , medicine , muscle weakness , pediatrics , surgery , acetylcholine
As a clinical entity, myasthenia gravis was not recognized until Samuel Wilks in 1877 described bulbar and peripheral muscular weakness. In the Lancet of June 2, 1934, the remarkable discovery of physostigmine treatment by Dr. Mary Walker was published, which was to become the mainstay of symptomatic treatment. A quiet and modest physician, she laboured with considerable success under many obstacles in her work and career.