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From Madness to Discovery! How Egas Moniz Changed Psychiatric Treatment with a Needle?
In the history of psychiatry, there are some names that cannot be ignored, among which the name of Egas Moniz undoubtedly occupies a place. The Portuguese neuroscientist pioneered cerebral angiography in the early 20th century, which not only brought technological progress to neurology, but also opened up new possibilities in the field of surgical treatment of mental illnesses.
Early Life and Training
Born in Avanca, Portugal in 1874, António Caetano de Abreu Freire Egas Moniz showed a strong interest in medicine. He completed his studies at the University of Coimbra and began teaching in 1900. Due to his passion for politics, he was also elected as a member of the Portuguese Parliament in 1900, demonstrating his diverse talents.
"Moniz's research made him the founder of modern psychosurgery."
Moniz then returned his attention to medicine and explored cerebral angiography in 1926. The development of this technique marked the birth of a system that allowed him to more accurately locate brain abnormalities.
The invention of cerebral angiography
Moniz's cerebral angiography was based on the hypothesis that if blood vessels in the brain could be seen more clearly, brain tumors would be better located. Although his initial experiments faced failure and the risk of death, he eventually succeeded in developing the first cerebral angiogram in 1927 and is considered a pioneer in the use of radiological imaging to detect brain problems.
"Successful cerebral angiography imaging earned Moniz two Nobel Prize nominations."
This technology paved the way for many neurological studies, led to a deeper understanding of brain structure, and marked a turning point in the treatment of mental illness.
The pioneering of prefrontal lobotomy
After the success of a cerebral angiogram, Moniz began exploring the possibility of surgery for psychiatric disorders. He proposed the theory of prefrontal lobe examination and lobotomy, believing that the root cause of mental illness may lie in the abnormal connections of certain nerve fibers in the prefrontal lobe of the brain. In 1935, Moniz and his team performed the first prefrontal lobe leukotomy, and the results were widely noticed.
"Prefrontal lobotomy is a simple and safe procedure that can show therapeutic benefits in some psychiatric disorders."
The initial recovery of patients has been impressive, causing this surgery to trigger new thinking in the medical community about psychiatric treatment. However, this technology is controversial because many patients have experienced significant personality changes, which has triggered extensive discussions in the medical community and society.
Academic contributions and controversies
Moniz's academic contributions are not limited to psychological surgery. He has also published numerous articles on cerebrovascular imaging, neurology, and other medical fields. Although his achievements were recognized with a Nobel Prize, lobotomy's negative reputation grew over time.
"Many experts criticized Moniz for downplaying the side effects of the surgery and insufficient follow-up of patients."
With the advent of antipsychotic drugs, lobotomies have gradually faded out of history, and Moniz's reputation has also been challenged. Many critics have called for his Nobel Prize to be withdrawn, arguing that it should not be commemorated.
Late life and legacy
Moniz continued to be dedicated to medicine throughout his life, even after suffering several attacks, until his death in 1955. Although his technique is not widely accepted today, Moniz is still highly respected in Portugal and even has a commemorative statue erected.
"Should Moniz's legacy be re-examined in the context of modern medicine?"
His story is not only a representative of scientific progress, but also a profound reflection on morality and human nature. Should we rethink these important figures in medical history today?
