Journal article
The Disputed Discovery of Facial and Trigeminal Nerve Function: Revisiting the Contributions of Herbert Mayo and Charles Bell
ML Carlson, J Bradley, JJ Van Gompel, RS Tubbs
Otology & Neurotology | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | Published : 2017
Abstract
Background: The first description of the voluntary motor function of the facial nerve and separate sensory-motor contributions of the trigeminal nerve is most commonly attributed to Charles Bell. However, a review of the original scientific accounts and subsequent historical publications question the validity of this credit. The objective of the present historical analysis is to clarify the contributions of Herbert Mayo toward discovering the functions of the fifth and seventh cranial nerves and to raise awareness of this historical controversy within the medical literature. Methods: Review of Charles Bell's and Herbert Mayo's original dissertations published between 1821 and 1823, and subse..
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