Neurological illnesses of Franklin Delano Roosevelt: from middle-age acute ascending paralysis to final cerebrovascular stroke

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) (1882-1945) was elected President of the United States for four consecutive terms from 1933 to 1945. At age 39 he presented acute ascending paralysis. The President died at age 63 due to cerebral hemorrhage.

Objective. This study presents a historical review of FDR’s neurological illnesses.

Development. The article is organized into three sections. The first is devoted to a brief biographical analysis of Roosevelt. The second revises in detail the characteristics of his acute ascending paralysis, which was categorized as paralytic polio. Given the early and severe sensory semiology, an alternative diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome is proposed. An important sequela was permanent flaccid paraplegia, which FDR overcame by means of long-term rehabilitation therapy. He created the Warm Springs Foundation, which contributed to developing rehabilitation programs and research projects on poliomyelitis. The third section addresses Roosevelt’s treatment for hypertensive cardiac disease, and subsequent death due to a sudden cerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusion. FDR is an emblematic example of how to overcome the hardships of illness, particularly through the extremely difficult circumstances he had to endure.

KEYWORDS

Acute ascending paralysis, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular stroke, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR Library & Museum, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypertensive cardiac disease, poliomyelitis, Roosevelt’ s Little White House State Historic Site, Warm Springs Foundation

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

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Neurosciences and History 2024;12(3):155-170