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Mary Riddoch (1901-1966), an extraordinary tale of survival.
G Riddoch1, J R Silver, M-F Weiner
1JR Silver, Akeman Business Park, 81-82 Akeman Street, Tring, HP23 6AF, UK. Email jrussellsilver@btconnect.com.
The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
|April 20, 2016
Summary
This case report details Mary Riddoch, the first documented female patient to survive a traumatic spinal cord injury sustained in 1934. Her prolonged survival was aided by her medical background and dedicated care.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Neurology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Mary Riddoch suffered a traumatic spinal injury in 1934 from a road traffic accident.
- While survival of traumatic spinal injuries was documented in WWI servicemen, this is the first reported case of a female patient.
- Her personal circumstances, including being a doctor and sister to neurologist George Riddoch, were crucial.
Observation:
- The patient was a qualified doctor, the sister of neurologist George Riddoch, and received dedicated care from nurse Dorothy Fiddes.
- Her personal circumstances and access to medical knowledge likely contributed to her prolonged survival.
Findings:
- This report presents the case of Mary Riddoch, a female paraplegic patient with a traumatic spinal injury.
- It highlights the factors contributing to her exceptional long-term survival, offering a unique perspective through family recollections.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of long-term outcomes for traumatic spinal cord injuries in females.
- It underscores the importance of patient background, medical expertise, and dedicated nursing care in managing such severe injuries.
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