Stroke: A History of Ideas (PDF)

Today, we recognize stroke as occurring due to the blocking orrupture of one or more blood vessels in the brain, this results in a sudden drop in blood pressure, loss of motion and sensation, and respiration and heartbeat remain intact. The documented history of stroke symptoms goes back to recorded medical accounts. In this book, Jan van Gijn conveys the reader’s journey through the progression of ideas pertaining to brain events and their blood vessels over the span of nearly four centuries.

The narrative starts with the re-emergence of traditional medicine during the middle of the 16th century, it then progressed through the following centuries, culminating in the 20th century with the introduction of brain scans, this technology provided hope for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Throughout this historical journey, the book has relied exclusively on primary sources, it provides an authentic and comprehensive description of how knowledge regarding stroke evolved, including branches and dead ends.

By exploring original sources and presenting frequent narratives from historical documents, the author facilitates the reader’s access to the disagreements of opinions and arguments that ultimately leads to a greater understanding of stroke. As such, this book serves as a crucial resource for the history of stroke research, it elucidates the progression of this field over time.

“Stroke: A History of Ideas” offers a unique perspective on the development of knowledge regarding stroke, it demonstrates the evolution of medical concepts and practices associated with this complex and debilitating condition. It’s a significant resource for medical historians, researchers, and professionals with a medical background that want to learn the rich history of research on stroke and its impact on medicine.