C. Miller Fisher

Overview of the life and contributions of C. Miller Fisher

C. Miller Fisher

Charles Miller Fisher (December 5, 1913 – April 14, 2012) was a Canadian neurologist whose research significantly advanced the understanding of cerebrovascular disease. He is best known for his work on transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes, and for describing the Fisher syndrome, a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Early Life and Education

Charles Miller Fisher was born in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto and went on to earn his medical degree from the same institution in 1938. During his early career, Fisher served as a medical officer in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II.

Career and Contributions

After the war, Fisher trained in neurology at the Montreal Neurological Institute under the mentorship of Wilder Penfield. He later moved to the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he spent the majority of his career.

Research on Stroke and TIAs

Fisher's research focused on the mechanisms and prevention of strokes. He was instrumental in identifying the role of atherosclerosis in cerebrovascular disease and was one of the first to describe the clinical significance of TIAs as a warning sign for future strokes. His work led to the development of preventive strategies that have saved countless lives.

Fisher Syndrome

In 1956, Fisher described a rare neurological disorder now known as Fisher syndrome, characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. This condition is considered a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome and has been crucial in understanding autoimmune neuropathies.

Legacy

C. Miller Fisher's contributions to neurology have had a lasting impact on the field. His work on stroke prevention and his identification of Fisher syndrome have been particularly influential. Fisher was a prolific writer, authoring over 300 scientific papers throughout his career.

Related pages

• Stroke
• Transient ischemic attack
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Atherosclerosis