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Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842) and his contributions to early neurosurgery

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Abstract

The renowned surgeon, neuroanatomist, and artist Sir Charles Bell not only impacted the lives of his peers through his creative endeavors and passion for art, but also sparked noteworthy breakthroughs in the field of neuroscience. His empathetic nature and zest for life enabled him to develop an early proclivity for patient care. As a result of his innovative findings regarding sensory and motor nerves and the anatomical makeup of the brain, he accepted some of the most prestigious awards and received an honorable reputation in society. Bell is recognized for his diligence, perseverance, and his remarkable contributions to surgery. The present review will explore his contributions to the discipline now known as neurosurgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA

    R. Shane Tubbs, Sheryl Riech, Ketan Verma & Martin M. Mortazavi

  2. Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies

    Marios Loukas

  3. Integrative Biosciences Department, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Brion Benninger

  4. Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University, 1801 North Senate Blvd # 610, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol

Authors
  1. R. Shane Tubbs
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  2. Sheryl Riech
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  3. Ketan Verma
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  4. Martin M. Mortazavi
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  5. Marios Loukas
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  6. Brion Benninger
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  7. Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol.

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Tubbs, R.S., Riech, S., Verma, K. et al. Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842) and his contributions to early neurosurgery. Childs Nerv Syst 28, 331–335 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-011-1666-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-011-1666-8

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