Claudio Gasperini, Carla Tortorella
The Charcot Journal. 2026;2(2):17–24.
Abstract
Jean-Martin Charcot’s work on multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a cornerstone in the history of neurology. By integrating meticulous clinical observation with pathological anatomy, Charcot transformed a heterogeneous constellation of neurological symptoms into a distinct nosological entity. In doing so, he established a conceptual framework grounded in clinical reasoning, dissemination of lesions in space, and the temporal evolution of disease. These principles remain the foundation of modern diagnostic criteria for MS. This article revisits Charcot’s original contributions and examines how subsequent diagnostic frameworks—from the Schumacher criteria to the Poser criteria and later the McDonald criteria—have progressively translated Charcot’s clinical insights into structured diagnostic tools integrating neuroimaging and biological markers. Although modern technologies have greatly improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, the fundamental paradigm introduced by Charcot remains unchanged. Contemporary diagnosis continues to rely on the integration of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory findings, guided by the principle that multiple sclerosis should only be diagnosed when there is no better explanation for the observed findings.
Keywords: Charcot, Jean-Martin; diagnostic criteria; dissemination in space and time; history of neurology; multiple sclerosis