Solving the Mystery of Darwin’s Lifelong Illness

Charles Darwin's lifelong illness remains a mystery, with over 40 diagnoses proposed. His symptoms included nausea, fatigue, and paralysis. Some suggest cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) or mitochondrial diseases, possibly inherited from his mother, as potential causes. Despite extensive documentation, the true cause remains unknown, and exhuming his body for tests is considered extreme.

What was the main challenge in diagnosing Darwin's illness?

• No symptoms documented

• Over 40 different proposed diagnoses

• Lack of medical records

• Doctors were not interested

Which of the following symptoms did Darwin NOT experience?

• Chest pains

• Visual disturbances

• Enlarged esophagus

• Severe skin conditions

What was one of the earliest hypotheses about the cause of Darwin's illness?

• A genetic disorder

• Chagas disease from his voyage

• A dietary deficiency

• A viral infection

What condition is characterized by recurring bouts of severe nausea and vomiting?

• Cyclic vomiting syndrome

• Psychosomatic disorder

• Milas syndrome

• Chagas disease

What is a potential cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome?

• Bacterial infection

• Nutritional deficiency

• Mitochondrial DNA abnormalities

• Viral infection

What is unique about mitochondrial DNA inheritance?

• It is inherited only from the mother

• It is not inherited at all

• It is inherited only from the father

• It is inherited from both parents

Which syndrome might explain Darwin's symptoms of partial paralysis and memory loss?

• Psychosomatic disorder

• Milas syndrome

• Chagas disease

• Cyclic vomiting syndrome