Historic review: a short history of neuropediatrics in Germany between 1850 and 1950
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Published on: September 3, 2020
1Gerbrunn, Germany.
Insights
Child neurology advanced significantly in diagnosis and therapy since the mid-1800s, overcoming challenges like limited treatments and historical atrocities. Post-1950 advancements, particularly from Anglo-American research, spurred its growth in Germany.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Medical History
Background:
- Pediatric neurology diagnosis and therapy have evolved since the mid-19th century.
- Common childhood neurological conditions include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and degenerative diseases.
- Limited treatment options historically led to limited pediatrician engagement, with care often deferred to educators and psychologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the historical development of pediatric neurology in German-speaking countries.
- To examine the impact of historical events, including the National Socialist regime, on child neurology.
- To highlight the influence of post-1950 advancements on the field's resurgence.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of medical literature and records.
- Review of contributions by key figures in German child neurology.
- Examination of the socio-political context influencing medical practices.
Main Results:
- Pioneering figures like Mauthner and Zappert laid groundwork in child neurology.
- The National Socialist era saw severe disruptions, including forced "treatment" and closure of care facilities.
- Post-1950, advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics, especially from Anglo-American sources, revitalized German pediatric neurology.
Conclusions:
- The history of pediatric neurology is marked by scientific progress and profound ethical challenges.
- Understanding this history is crucial for contemporary pediatric neurological care and ethical considerations.
- International collaboration and advancements significantly shaped the modern practice of pediatric neurology.
Abstract:
Since the middle of the nineteenth century, there has been increasing knowledge about the diagnosis and therapy of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system and muscle in children. The leading causes were cerebral palsy, epilepsy, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, and the innate reduction in intelligence. Because of the often lack of healing options, many pediatricians had little interest in treating these children and left their care to the pedagogues and psychologists. Pioneers of child neurology in the German-speaking countries were Ludwig Mauthner, Franz von Rinecker, Julius Zappert, and Georg Peritz. Especially with the beginning of the National Socialist terror regime, rigorous treatment methods were used, the care facilities for disabled children were closed, and these were either actively murdered or interned under inhumane conditions. In this time, some specialists in neuropediatrics had an ambivalent position between the care for their patients and the selection for their elimination. After 1950, new findings in diagnostics and therapy, especially from Anglo-American countries, played a significant role in the rise of neuropediatrics in Germany.
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