A SHORT HISTORY OF NEUROLOGY The Arab & Muslim Contribution 500-1516 A.D Regional and 21 st International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease 28 th Sep -1.

A SHORT HISTORY OF A SHORT HISTORY OF NEUROLOGYNEUROLOGY

The Arab & Muslim Contribution The Arab & Muslim Contribution 500-1516 A.D500-1516 A.D

Regional and 21Regional and 21stst International International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease 28Conference of Alzheimer's Disease 28thth

Sep -1Sep -1stst Oct 2005 Oct 2005

Ashraf Kurdi FRCP (G) FRCP (London) Ashraf Kurdi FRCP (G) FRCP (London) Amman,Amman, JORDANJORDAN

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IntroductionIntroduction• The language of science at the time was Arabic.The language of science at the time was Arabic.

• Many scientists and physicians throughout the Muslim Empire Many scientists and physicians throughout the Muslim Empire taught and wrote in Arabic.taught and wrote in Arabic.

• Many scientists were born all over the Muslim Empire from Many scientists were born all over the Muslim Empire from Central Asia to Andalusia with various ethnic and religious Central Asia to Andalusia with various ethnic and religious backgrounds, but what united all of them was the Arabic backgrounds, but what united all of them was the Arabic language which they all used in their work. The political and language which they all used in their work. The political and cultural stability coupled with religious tolerance was paramount cultural stability coupled with religious tolerance was paramount in allowing their work to flourish.in allowing their work to flourish.

• One should not restrict the term of Arab Medicine to those born in One should not restrict the term of Arab Medicine to those born in what is now an "Arab" country, but think more globally without what is now an "Arab" country, but think more globally without ethnic, religious or social restraints. ethnic, religious or social restraints.

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Introduction ...Introduction ...

• In the history of Arab medicine, we can easily In the history of Arab medicine, we can easily identify several consecutive periods: identify several consecutive periods:

– Pre-Islamic and early Islamic medicine from 500 - 750 Pre-Islamic and early Islamic medicine from 500 - 750 A.D, the end of the Umayyad caliphate in Damascus.A.D, the end of the Umayyad caliphate in Damascus.

– The expansion of Arab medicine started when the Arabs The expansion of Arab medicine started when the Arabs conquered Syria, Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt and conquered Syria, Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt and came in contact with an established medical science and came in contact with an established medical science and tradition. This period coincided with the rise of the tradition. This period coincided with the rise of the Abassid caliphate from 750 - 900 A.D, and the expansion Abassid caliphate from 750 - 900 A.D, and the expansion of translation from the Greco-Roman medicine into of translation from the Greco-Roman medicine into Arabic with addition of personal commentaries and Arabic with addition of personal commentaries and experiences to the original text.experiences to the original text.

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Introduction ...Introduction ...

– The flourishing period of pure Arab medicine, which started The flourishing period of pure Arab medicine, which started during the Abassid Caliphate around 900 A.D and spanned during the Abassid Caliphate around 900 A.D and spanned through to the Andalusian era up to 1300 AD.through to the Andalusian era up to 1300 AD.

– The fourth period from 1300 - 1516 AD. This was exemplified The fourth period from 1300 - 1516 AD. This was exemplified by the reverse wave of translations from Arabic into Latin by the reverse wave of translations from Arabic into Latin starting in the western countries of the Arab domain, and the starting in the western countries of the Arab domain, and the propagation of Arab medicine from the schools of Southern propagation of Arab medicine from the schools of Southern Italy and Spain into the north, especially Northern Italy, Italy and Spain into the north, especially Northern Italy, France and Germany. Although at the same time another France and Germany. Although at the same time another direct translation from Greek into Latin was provided to the direct translation from Greek into Latin was provided to the physicians of Europe, the Arabic translations, due to their rich physicians of Europe, the Arabic translations, due to their rich and encyclopedic material remained to be the basic and encyclopedic material remained to be the basic textbooks to those physicians and thus became the main textbooks to those physicians and thus became the main stimuli for the renaissance in the Weststimuli for the renaissance in the West

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Pre-Islamic and early Islamic period (Pre-Islamic and early Islamic period (500 - 500 - 750 A.D)750 A.D)

• This period can be further broken down This period can be further broken down into two distinct periods: into two distinct periods:

– Pre-Islamic period (500 – 621 AD), including Pre-Islamic period (500 – 621 AD), including the Late Greek and Roman periods.the Late Greek and Roman periods.

– The early Islamic period which included the rise The early Islamic period which included the rise of Islam (621 - 661 A.D), which was during the of Islam (621 - 661 A.D), which was during the prophet's time and the Orthodox Caliphate and prophet's time and the Orthodox Caliphate and the Umayyad period (661 - 750 A.D).the Umayyad period (661 - 750 A.D).

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The Abassid period (The Abassid period (750 - 900 A.D)750 - 900 A.D)

• Center of power moved from Damascus to Center of power moved from Damascus to Baghdad Baghdad

• TranslatorsTranslators– Bakhtyashoo Family (730 – 1058 AD)Bakhtyashoo Family (730 – 1058 AD)– Yohanna bin Masawaiyah (778 – 856 AD)Yohanna bin Masawaiyah (778 – 856 AD)– Hunain bin Ishaq (809 – 873 AD)Hunain bin Ishaq (809 – 873 AD)– Costa bin Luqa (Died 912 AD)Costa bin Luqa (Died 912 AD)– Thabet Bin Qurra (836 – 901 AD)Thabet Bin Qurra (836 – 901 AD)

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Ali Bin Rabban Al-TabariAli Bin Rabban Al-Tabari(838-870 AD)(838-870 AD)

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Ali Bin Rabban Al-Tabari Ali Bin Rabban Al-Tabari (838-870 AD)(838-870 AD)

• Author of the first Arabic Medical Encyclopedia (The Author of the first Arabic Medical Encyclopedia (The Paradise of Wisdom)Paradise of Wisdom)

• Born and educated in Tabaristan before moving to Born and educated in Tabaristan before moving to BaghdadBaghdad

• The most important characteristic of Al-Tabari was The most important characteristic of Al-Tabari was his reliance on his personal experience and the his reliance on his personal experience and the clinical cases he treated or heard of from reliable clinical cases he treated or heard of from reliable sources. One of the last chapters of his book is sources. One of the last chapters of his book is devoted to psychotherapy where he cites several devoted to psychotherapy where he cites several examples of the effectiveness of this treatment in examples of the effectiveness of this treatment in psychosispsychosis

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Ali Bin Rabban Al-Tabari Ali Bin Rabban Al-Tabari (838-870 AD)(838-870 AD)

• In neurologyIn neurology– He wrote about anatomy and physiology of the Central He wrote about anatomy and physiology of the Central

Nervous SystemNervous System

– first to mention the internal sensations, which are called first to mention the internal sensations, which are called "common sensations”"common sensations”

– first among the Arab authors to write on Epilepsy, first among the Arab authors to write on Epilepsy, headache, Effect of psychological states in disease headache, Effect of psychological states in disease occurrenceoccurrence

– Described tetanus as a disease and predicted the death of Described tetanus as a disease and predicted the death of the patient within four daysthe patient within four days

– Described hemiplegia, facial palsy and speech difficulties Described hemiplegia, facial palsy and speech difficulties associated with hemiplegia.associated with hemiplegia.

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The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 AD)The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 AD)

• During this period the Islamic Empire extended During this period the Islamic Empire extended from China in the East to its Western Domain in from China in the East to its Western Domain in the Iberian Peninsula (Andalusia and Portugal).the Iberian Peninsula (Andalusia and Portugal).

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The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 AD) ...AD) ...

• The Arabic Language was by far the language of The Arabic Language was by far the language of science in that era science in that era

• Since the empire was so wide spread, the Since the empire was so wide spread, the contribution was not necessarily made just by contribution was not necessarily made just by Muslims. Many Christians and Jews had major Muslims. Many Christians and Jews had major contributions and only through the tolerance of contributions and only through the tolerance of Islam did these scientists and physicians find the Islam did these scientists and physicians find the freedom to study, practice, write and teach. Their freedom to study, practice, write and teach. Their contributions were accepted and highly respectedcontributions were accepted and highly respected

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The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 AD) ...AD) ...• The relationship between the eastern and western part of The relationship between the eastern and western part of

the Empire was never interrupted. Physicians and scientists the Empire was never interrupted. Physicians and scientists made several trips from one part to another carrying with made several trips from one part to another carrying with them books, knowledge and experience.them books, knowledge and experience.

• In the East, Centers of Medical excellence were already In the East, Centers of Medical excellence were already established and flourishing. Hospitals, as both, centers of established and flourishing. Hospitals, as both, centers of education, training and treatment were widely spread. education, training and treatment were widely spread. Libraries attached to these institutions contained treasures Libraries attached to these institutions contained treasures of medical books. of medical books.

• Among the most famous physicians of the time were Ar-Razi Among the most famous physicians of the time were Ar-Razi (Rhazes), Al-Majusi (Haly Abbas) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna).(Rhazes), Al-Majusi (Haly Abbas) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna).

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The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 The Flourishing Period (900 - 1300 AD) ...AD) ...

• In Andalusia, the Arabs established a highly In Andalusia, the Arabs established a highly sophisticated civilization and many physicians and sophisticated civilization and many physicians and philosophers appeared throughout this period. philosophers appeared throughout this period.

• The most famous were: Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Musa The most famous were: Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Musa bin Maimun (Maimunedes) and several physicians bin Maimun (Maimunedes) and several physicians from the family of Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar). from the family of Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar).

• The most famous surgeon of the era was Abu al-The most famous surgeon of the era was Abu al-Qasim al Zahrawi (Abulcasis). His book on surgery Qasim al Zahrawi (Abulcasis). His book on surgery “Al-Tasrif”, in which he described the surgical tools “Al-Tasrif”, in which he described the surgical tools used at that time, remained to be a reference for used at that time, remained to be a reference for several centuries.several centuries.

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Abu Bakr Mohammed Bin Zakariya Ar-Razi Abu Bakr Mohammed Bin Zakariya Ar-Razi (Rhazes) (841–925 AD)(Rhazes) (841–925 AD)

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RhazesRhazes

• Rhazes is considered to be one of the greatest doctors Rhazes is considered to be one of the greatest doctors known to humanity known to humanity

• Princeton University in the U.S. set aside the best suite in Princeton University in the U.S. set aside the best suite in its most beautiful building to the achievements of Rhazes its most beautiful building to the achievements of Rhazes and established a center to teach the Arabic language and and established a center to teach the Arabic language and translate his manuscripts into English.translate his manuscripts into English.

• Six hundred years ago, the school of medicine in Paris had Six hundred years ago, the school of medicine in Paris had the smallest library in the world. It contained only one the smallest library in the world. It contained only one book, Al-Hawi (the Container) in medicine by Rhazes. He book, Al-Hawi (the Container) in medicine by Rhazes. He also excelled in many fields including philosophy, Botany, also excelled in many fields including philosophy, Botany, zoology, mathematics, physics and music.zoology, mathematics, physics and music.

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Rhazes ...Rhazes ...

• Rhazes was born in Ray, near modern-day Tehran in Persia.Rhazes was born in Ray, near modern-day Tehran in Persia.

• He learned his anatomy from Galen’s books and from his He learned his anatomy from Galen’s books and from his teacher Bin teacher Bin MasawaiyahMasawaiyah..

• In Baghdad he dissected animals, particularly monkeys, and In Baghdad he dissected animals, particularly monkeys, and also made many anatomical quotes, such as “knowing the also made many anatomical quotes, such as “knowing the anatomy of that organ you will understand its functions, then anatomy of that organ you will understand its functions, then the illnesses that might attack that organ”. the illnesses that might attack that organ”.

• He established a new tradition assimilating Greek and other He established a new tradition assimilating Greek and other medical cultures. He wrote more than two hundred books and medical cultures. He wrote more than two hundred books and articles, half of which relate to medicine. articles, half of which relate to medicine.

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• His work was translated from Latin and soon became the His work was translated from Latin and soon became the standard textbooks in most of the medical schools of Europe.standard textbooks in most of the medical schools of Europe.

• He emphasized in his writings and lectures, that doctors He emphasized in his writings and lectures, that doctors should take note of the medical history as told by patients, should take note of the medical history as told by patients, emphasized doctor patient relationship and advised patients emphasized doctor patient relationship and advised patients not to change doctors, except when necessary.not to change doctors, except when necessary.

• Rhazes was the first to treat patients who were considered Rhazes was the first to treat patients who were considered incurable. He went against what incurable. He went against what Hippocrates advocated in Hippocrates advocated in keeping one’s distance from incurable patients. He strongly keeping one’s distance from incurable patients. He strongly committed himself to treat these patients and continuously committed himself to treat these patients and continuously encouraged them and helped them in facing their ailments.encouraged them and helped them in facing their ailments.

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• He also was sympathetic and firm in trying to He also was sympathetic and firm in trying to treat patients with neurologically incurable treat patients with neurologically incurable diseases unlike Medieval Europe and the church diseases unlike Medieval Europe and the church where such patients used to be imprisoned and where such patients used to be imprisoned and degraded. To that effect he was a true degraded. To that effect he was a true humanitarianhumanitarian

• He was most noted in dealing with the question of He was most noted in dealing with the question of epilepsy. He was the first to distinguish between epilepsy. He was the first to distinguish between Hereditary and Acquired Epilepsy. Hereditary and Acquired Epilepsy.

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• He says: “epilepsy is a convulsion that affects the He says: “epilepsy is a convulsion that affects the whole body. Yet it is not permanent, since its whole body. Yet it is not permanent, since its illness disappears quickly. The ill effects that are illness disappears quickly. The ill effects that are caused to the head and body organs indicate that caused to the head and body organs indicate that the illness emanates from the brain”. the illness emanates from the brain”.

• Rhazes was also the first to describe the recurrent Rhazes was also the first to describe the recurrent laryngeal nerve and thought it originated near the laryngeal nerve and thought it originated near the trachea. He studied the function of nerves. He trachea. He studied the function of nerves. He said “ if the nerve was cut longitudinally nothing said “ if the nerve was cut longitudinally nothing will happen to that nerve, but if cut transversely, will happen to that nerve, but if cut transversely, both sensations and motor power will be lost and both sensations and motor power will be lost and it will be out of hand, no use for treatment”. it will be out of hand, no use for treatment”.

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• He went against Galen as related to Hemiplegia He went against Galen as related to Hemiplegia when he identified that the source of the paralysis when he identified that the source of the paralysis is in the brain whereas Galen related it to the is in the brain whereas Galen related it to the ventricles.ventricles.

• Al- Hawi (the Container) his most famous medical Al- Hawi (the Container) his most famous medical encyclopedia was written in 25 volumes. The first encyclopedia was written in 25 volumes. The first volume was dedicated to Head illnesses and volume was dedicated to Head illnesses and contained 11 chapters dealing with most of the contained 11 chapters dealing with most of the neurological diseases such as stroke, paralysis, neurological diseases such as stroke, paralysis, numbness, convulsions, cognition, facial weakness, numbness, convulsions, cognition, facial weakness, epilepsy, nightmares, spasticity, tetanus, meningitis epilepsy, nightmares, spasticity, tetanus, meningitis and encephalitis, headache, migraine and confusionand encephalitis, headache, migraine and confusion

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Ali Bin Abbas Al-Majusi Ali Bin Abbas Al-Majusi (Haly Abbas) (?-995 AD)(Haly Abbas) (?-995 AD)

• Haly Abbas was born in the town of Ahwaz near Haly Abbas was born in the town of Ahwaz near Jundishapur.Jundishapur.

• The name “Al-Majusi” is said to indicate that he was a The name “Al-Majusi” is said to indicate that he was a Persian of Zoroastrian ancestry. Persian of Zoroastrian ancestry.

• He reached his greatest eminence about 50 years He reached his greatest eminence about 50 years after the death of Rhazes. after the death of Rhazes.

• He wrote “Kamil Al-Sina’ah al-Tibbiya”, also known as He wrote “Kamil Al-Sina’ah al-Tibbiya”, also known as Al-Kitab Al-Malaki, the Royal Book (Liber Regius).Al-Kitab Al-Malaki, the Royal Book (Liber Regius).

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Haly Abbas ...Haly Abbas ...

• Haly Abbas considered that nerves originate in the Haly Abbas considered that nerves originate in the brain, which is the center of sensory and motor action. brain, which is the center of sensory and motor action.

• This action is mediated in the brain through the cranial This action is mediated in the brain through the cranial nerves and to the rest of the body through the spinal nerves and to the rest of the body through the spinal cord. cord.

• He identified that nerves originating from the brain are He identified that nerves originating from the brain are bundled in 7 pairs and that each nerve prior to bundled in 7 pairs and that each nerve prior to emerging from the skull is covered with two layers emerging from the skull is covered with two layers referring to the Pia matter and the Dura matter.referring to the Pia matter and the Dura matter.

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Haly Abbas ...Haly Abbas ...

• Haly Abbas described the pathophysiology of certain Haly Abbas described the pathophysiology of certain disorders that affect the brain and the spinal cord. disorders that affect the brain and the spinal cord.

• Examples of Brain disorders include headache, Examples of Brain disorders include headache, trauma, parasthesia, confusional states, meningitis, trauma, parasthesia, confusional states, meningitis, apoplexy, epilepsy, hemiplegia, melancholy, apoplexy, epilepsy, hemiplegia, melancholy, obsession, memory loss, mania and coma. He also obsession, memory loss, mania and coma. He also described different types of skull fracturesdescribed different types of skull fractures

• Examples of Spinal cord disorders include paralysis Examples of Spinal cord disorders include paralysis of flaccid and spastic type, clonus and parasthesia. of flaccid and spastic type, clonus and parasthesia.

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Abu Ali Al-Hussein Bin Abdallah ibn Abu Ali Al-Hussein Bin Abdallah ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980-1037 AD)Sina (Avicenna) (980-1037 AD)

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AvicennaAvicenna

• Avicenna was born near Bukhara (Central Asia) and was called Avicenna was born near Bukhara (Central Asia) and was called the Sheik, the Chief and the second teacher, after Aristotle. the Sheik, the Chief and the second teacher, after Aristotle.

• He is highly respected for his contribution to the field of He is highly respected for his contribution to the field of medicine, both as a transmitter of the knowledge of men like medicine, both as a transmitter of the knowledge of men like Hippocrates, Aristotle and Galen, and as an original thinker on Hippocrates, Aristotle and Galen, and as an original thinker on the subject. the subject.

• His energy and intelligence were all embracing, and he also His energy and intelligence were all embracing, and he also studied and wrote widely on philosophy, astronomy, studied and wrote widely on philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, the Arabic Language, music and several other mathematics, the Arabic Language, music and several other domains of knowledge, thus producing over 276 books in all domains of knowledge, thus producing over 276 books in all branches of knowledge. He was an encyclopedic thinkerbranches of knowledge. He was an encyclopedic thinker

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Avicenna ...Avicenna ...

• He was the first to identify Meningitis thus refuting the He was the first to identify Meningitis thus refuting the sayings of the ancients that the soft and hard tissues such sayings of the ancients that the soft and hard tissues such as the brain and bones are not affected by inflammation, he as the brain and bones are not affected by inflammation, he was the first to differentiate paralysis based on primary and was the first to differentiate paralysis based on primary and secondary etiological factors related to the brain. secondary etiological factors related to the brain.

• He described stroke resulting from bleeding, contrary to He described stroke resulting from bleeding, contrary to common belief of the era based on Greek medicine. He common belief of the era based on Greek medicine. He differentiated central and peripheral facial weakness.differentiated central and peripheral facial weakness.

• Avicenna was the first to use oral anesthesia and deduced Avicenna was the first to use oral anesthesia and deduced that Opium was the strongest anesthetic. that Opium was the strongest anesthetic.

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• Avicenna also described a fundamental scientific Avicenna also described a fundamental scientific fact in the fractures of the skull. The skull bones fact in the fractures of the skull. The skull bones contrary to other bones in the body do not heal contrary to other bones in the body do not heal after fracture in the same way as other bones in the after fracture in the same way as other bones in the body. The skull is connected by fibrous tissues and body. The skull is connected by fibrous tissues and only through these does the skull heals and broken only through these does the skull heals and broken segments reconnect. segments reconnect.

• He further broke down skull fractures into two He further broke down skull fractures into two types, closed and open fractures and ascertained types, closed and open fractures and ascertained that deep broken fragments of skull fractures that deep broken fragments of skull fractures should be removed to avoid further complications. should be removed to avoid further complications.

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• Avicenna also divided headache into three types; Avicenna also divided headache into three types; Ordinary Headache, Headache caused by brain damage Ordinary Headache, Headache caused by brain damage and Migraine (Al-Shaqiqa). and Migraine (Al-Shaqiqa).

• He was the first to formulate a mature idea about the He was the first to formulate a mature idea about the underlying pathophysiology of Migraine: “migraine is underlying pathophysiology of Migraine: “migraine is due to hyper excitability of brain tissue which causes the due to hyper excitability of brain tissue which causes the brain to react unusually to noises and to light stimuli”.brain to react unusually to noises and to light stimuli”.

• He also described several effective medications for He also described several effective medications for headaches.headaches.

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• Avicenna differentiated between two types of epilepsy, Avicenna differentiated between two types of epilepsy, Grand Mal and Petit Mal. In his description of Grand Grand Mal and Petit Mal. In his description of Grand Mal epilepsy he identified three stages of the attack as Mal epilepsy he identified three stages of the attack as follows:follows:– AuraAura– Clonic phaseClonic phase– RelaxationRelaxation

• He also differentiated between apoplexy and Coma. He also differentiated between apoplexy and Coma. Moreover, Avicenna introduced novel methods of Moreover, Avicenna introduced novel methods of treatment such as the use of ice packs in the treatment such as the use of ice packs in the treatment of various neurological illnesses and more treatment of various neurological illnesses and more dramatically the use of swimming in tanks with Electric dramatically the use of swimming in tanks with Electric eels for the treatment of Epilepsy (Electrotherapy)eels for the treatment of Epilepsy (Electrotherapy)

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• His book (Al-Kanoon) was the most famous and His book (Al-Kanoon) was the most famous and contained the essence of Greek and Arab contained the essence of Greek and Arab medicine. medicine.

• It comprises five volumes among which are It comprises five volumes among which are neurological diseases. neurological diseases.

• It was printed twenty times in Latin in the sixteenth It was printed twenty times in Latin in the sixteenth century alone and was the principal medical text in century alone and was the principal medical text in the Arab World and Europe for about eight the Arab World and Europe for about eight centuries. centuries.

• Avicenna summarized all medical knowledge in a Avicenna summarized all medical knowledge in a poem of 1326 verses. poem of 1326 verses.

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• The first topic in the third volume in Al-Kanoon The first topic in the third volume in Al-Kanoon deals with the diseases of the head and the brain. deals with the diseases of the head and the brain. It contains five articles:It contains five articles:– The First covers the overall provisions of the diseases of The First covers the overall provisions of the diseases of

the head and thebrain.the head and thebrain.– The Second deals with the aches and pain of the head The Second deals with the aches and pain of the head – The Third deals with head tumors The Third deals with head tumors – The Fourth deals with the illnesses of the head that mostly The Fourth deals with the illnesses of the head that mostly

affect the sensory and management actionsaffect the sensory and management actions– The Fifth deals with brain diseases that strongly affect The Fifth deals with brain diseases that strongly affect

voluntary movementvoluntary movement

• The second topic in the third Volume of Al-Kanoon The second topic in the third Volume of Al-Kanoon deals with nerve diseases.deals with nerve diseases.

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Abu Al-Qassim Bin Abbas Bin Khalaf Al-Abu Al-Qassim Bin Abbas Bin Khalaf Al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis) (936-1010 AD)Zahrawi (Abulcasis) (936-1010 AD)

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AbulcasisAbulcasis

• Abulcasis was born in the city of Al-Zahraa, to the Abulcasis was born in the city of Al-Zahraa, to the west of Qurtubah (Cordoba). west of Qurtubah (Cordoba).

• He placed his knowledge and expertise in a single He placed his knowledge and expertise in a single book called “Al-Tasreef” (practical guide for those book called “Al-Tasreef” (practical guide for those who cannot be authors)who cannot be authors). .

• It is composed of 30 articles divided into two It is composed of 30 articles divided into two parts, medical and surgical, with the surgical part parts, medical and surgical, with the surgical part divided into three sections. The last one is divided into three sections. The last one is devoted to brain and Neurosurgery, particularly devoted to brain and Neurosurgery, particularly ailments resulting from head and brain injuries, ailments resulting from head and brain injuries, skull fractures and the use of skull trepanation.skull fractures and the use of skull trepanation.

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Abulcasis ...Abulcasis ...

• John Shaning did the first modern Latin translation in John Shaning did the first modern Latin translation in Oxford in 1778. Oxford in 1778.

• Lucien de Clerq did the first French translation in Lucien de Clerq did the first French translation in 1861. 1861.

• In 1908, Loco published an Arabic illustrated edition. In 1908, Loco published an Arabic illustrated edition. In 1974, Loco printed an English edition together with In 1974, Loco printed an English edition together with the Arabic original and the illustrating instruments. the Arabic original and the illustrating instruments.

• Al-Tasreef gained world fame and was the basic book Al-Tasreef gained world fame and was the basic book for surgery in Europe for five centuries. for surgery in Europe for five centuries.

• The Europeans adopted and developed a lot of its The Europeans adopted and developed a lot of its Contents.Contents.

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Contributions to NeurosurgeryContributions to Neurosurgery

• General Scientific contributionsGeneral Scientific contributions

– Abulcasis compiled all that pertained to Abulcasis compiled all that pertained to Neurosurgery and added a more developed type Neurosurgery and added a more developed type of surgery based on anatomy.of surgery based on anatomy.

– He used anesthesia during surgical operations to He used anesthesia during surgical operations to alleviate the pain of patientsalleviate the pain of patients

– He was the first to He was the first to • describe skull fractures and their complications and also describe skull fractures and their complications and also

the first to describe depressed skull fractures in children.the first to describe depressed skull fractures in children.• to call on surgeons to familiarize themselves with the to call on surgeons to familiarize themselves with the

anatomy of the body parts they were about to operate anatomy of the body parts they were about to operate onon

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Contributions to Neurosurgery ...Contributions to Neurosurgery ...

– He understood and realized that pain should not He understood and realized that pain should not be considered as an illness, but as a symptom. be considered as an illness, but as a symptom. Accordingly the root cause of the pain, not pain Accordingly the root cause of the pain, not pain itself should be treateditself should be treated

– He considered hygiene as basic in the treatment He considered hygiene as basic in the treatment of wounds. of wounds.

– He called for the sterilization of wounds and used He called for the sterilization of wounds and used Alcohol for this purpose contrary to the ideas of Alcohol for this purpose contrary to the ideas of his contemporarieshis contemporaries

– He described head injuries including bleeding He described head injuries including bleeding inside/outside the skullinside/outside the skull

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• Technical ContributionsTechnical Contributions

– Abulcasis invented an instrument that prevents Abulcasis invented an instrument that prevents involuntary penetration of the skull of the patient involuntary penetration of the skull of the patient during the process of trepanation, and this during the process of trepanation, and this modification is still in existence today.modification is still in existence today.

– Described and performed a cranium fissure in Described and performed a cranium fissure in the same manner performed nowadays. He the same manner performed nowadays. He made several holes in the skull and then made several holes in the skull and then connected them.connected them.

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– Stressed the need for utmost care before brain surgery to Stressed the need for utmost care before brain surgery to remove bones and coarseness resulting from injuries. He remove bones and coarseness resulting from injuries. He stressed the need to have these areas clean and sterile.stressed the need to have these areas clean and sterile.

– Called for the readiness of surgical instruments for Called for the readiness of surgical instruments for emergencies. (i.e. to be kept sterile and clean)emergencies. (i.e. to be kept sterile and clean)

– Advised the use of female assistants and nurses when Advised the use of female assistants and nurses when operating on women to ensure calmness and peace of operating on women to ensure calmness and peace of mind of woman patientsmind of woman patients

– Used instruments for the stretching of the neck and Used instruments for the stretching of the neck and prolapsed Disc.prolapsed Disc.

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… … And other ContributionsAnd other Contributions

• Abulcasis had also numerous contributions not Abulcasis had also numerous contributions not only in Neurosurgery but also in the field of only in Neurosurgery but also in the field of neurology in the areas of Apoplexy, hemiplegia, neurology in the areas of Apoplexy, hemiplegia, Facial Paralysis, Convulsions and Tonic Spasms, Facial Paralysis, Convulsions and Tonic Spasms, Flaccidity and Anosmia.Flaccidity and Anosmia.

• Professor Garcia Palestero of Granada University in Professor Garcia Palestero of Granada University in Spain stated: “Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi was the Spain stated: “Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi was the greatest Muslim surgeon in the whole of the greatest Muslim surgeon in the whole of the middle ages. He was the point of departure for all middle ages. He was the point of departure for all types of brain and skull surgeries in Spain and types of brain and skull surgeries in Spain and Western Europe”.Western Europe”.

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Concluding Remarks on the Arab Concluding Remarks on the Arab Contributions to Medical SciencesContributions to Medical Sciences

• The Arabic language was the world language (Lingua The Arabic language was the world language (Lingua Franca) of science. Until the sixteenth and seventeenth Franca) of science. Until the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, every medical student had to master the Arabic centuries, every medical student had to master the Arabic language. Between 850-1350 AD, there were 4000 medical language. Between 850-1350 AD, there were 4000 medical books written in the Arabic language. books written in the Arabic language.

• During that time, students headed towards Baghdad, During that time, students headed towards Baghdad, Alexandria, Damascus and Andalusia to study medicine.Alexandria, Damascus and Andalusia to study medicine.

• Translating from various pre-Arab civilizations like the Translating from various pre-Arab civilizations like the

Babylonian , Egyptian, Greek, Indian and Persian culturesBabylonian , Egyptian, Greek, Indian and Persian cultures

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Concluding Remarks on the Contribution in Concluding Remarks on the Contribution in Medical Sciences …Medical Sciences …

• Polishing, developing, expanding and adding to the neurological Polishing, developing, expanding and adding to the neurological sciencessciences

• Writing encyclopedic books on medicine and pharmacologyWriting encyclopedic books on medicine and pharmacology

• The first to introduce illustrations and tables in the study of medicine The first to introduce illustrations and tables in the study of medicine and the first to write medical sciences in poetical form to make it easy and the first to write medical sciences in poetical form to make it easy for students to memorizefor students to memorize

• Established various types of hospitals (called Bimaristan) including a Established various types of hospitals (called Bimaristan) including a new residency system for doctors and specialized wards for psychiatric new residency system for doctors and specialized wards for psychiatric patients.patients.

• Attached hospitals to the schools of medicine with large libraries of Attached hospitals to the schools of medicine with large libraries of medical books.medical books.

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• Introduced examinations and prohibited unlicensed Introduced examinations and prohibited unlicensed

or unqualified persons from practicing medicine.or unqualified persons from practicing medicine.

• Emphasized ethical standards that were based onEmphasized ethical standards that were based on– HippocratesHippocrates– Christian values and principlesChristian values and principles– Islamic values and principlesIslamic values and principles

• Played an important and prominent role in the Played an important and prominent role in the

study of anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and study of anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and

treatment of various neurological disorders.treatment of various neurological disorders.

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• Described Neurosurgical operations, instruments Described Neurosurgical operations, instruments and sutures.and sutures.

• Played a large role in discovering anesthesia and Played a large role in discovering anesthesia and sterilization by alcohol. sterilization by alcohol.

• The West built on this foundation and embarked The West built on this foundation and embarked on its modern renaissance that came in the wake on its modern renaissance that came in the wake of the stillness of theof the stillness of the middle ages, and took off at middle ages, and took off at the beginning of the seventeenth century.the beginning of the seventeenth century.

A SHORT HISTORY OF NEUROLOGY The Arab & Muslim Contribution 500-1516 A.D Regional and 21 st International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease 28 th Sep -1.

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history of arab medicine

expansion of arab medicine

term of arab medicine

propagation of arab

arab country

arabic language

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arab muslim contribution