Charles Karsner Mills (1845-1931) and his syndrome

Interest in the disorders of movement has increased in recent years and the subject has become a speciality within the field of clinical neurology. Implicit in the analysis of dysfunction is an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology. The history of such matters facilitates the understanding of today’s theories. It also reminds us perhaps that misunderstandings and mistakes occur throughout history so we should be self-critical of our own thoughts and explanations and thus increase objective analysis of today’s theories. Many medical disorders remain unexplained and from time to time better understanding allows new disorders to be described. A good example of the former is Mill’s Syndrome, not well known but nevertheless important to those who suffer from it and for their professional and other carers. Is it an entity? Can it be understood in relation to other neurological conditions where we think we understand the anatomy if not the mechanisms of disease - such as motor neurone disease and progressive hereditary paraplegia?