Winston Churchill: a left hemisphere stroke or possible focal seizure on 20 October 1956

Winston Churchill: two mild left hemisphere strokes, finger gangrene and syncope in 1959

“…The first of these episodes coincided with signs of ischaemia affecting the little finger of the right hand, leading Brain to propose that both the cerebral and digital events were due to emboli arising from the aorta. However, as we have discussed already in relation to Churchill's numerous previous strokes, 22,24–26,31 it seems at least as likely that the left cerebral ischaemia in April 1959 was also due to cerebral small vessel disease.…”

“…24 Brain was also involved in treating the cerebellar infarction Churchill suffered in June 1955 25 and a left hemisphere stroke in October 1956. 26

Figure 2.Sir Russell Brain Bt © NPG (86467).

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“…29 Moran also treated Churchill in 1949 when he suffered his first stroke 22 and was primarily responsible for managing the further episodes of cerebrovascular disease in 1950–1952, 23 his second stroke in 1953 24 and Churchill's recovery from it, 31 the cerebellar infarction in June 1955 again with an excellent recovery 25 and a left hemisphere stroke in October 1956. 26 In 1958, he treated Churchill for pneumonia, atrial fibrillation and jaundice 1 and in 1962 coordinated treatment for Churchill's hip fracture. 32

Figure 3.Lord Moran © Sybil Richardson by courtesy of Anne Stafford and Clare Wales.

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Sir Winston Churchill: fracture of fifth thoracic vertebra and a stroke following a fall on 15 November 1960

“…42,43 Brain had assessed Churchill previously at Moran's request on 5 October 1949, 15 October 1949 and 8 December 1949 after Churchill's first stroke 44 and on multiple occasions in 1950–1952 for further episodes of cerebrovascular disease, 45 in June 1953 after Churchill's second stroke, 2 in June 1955 after a the cerebellar infarction again with an excellent recovery, 46 and a left hemisphere stroke in October 1956. 47…”

“…54 Moran also treated Churchill in 1949 when he suffered his first stroke 44 and was primarily responsible for managing the further episodes of cerebrovascular disease in 1950–1952, 45 his second stroke in 1953 2 and Churchill's recovery from it, 3 the cerebellar infarction in June 1955 again with an excellent recovery 46 and a left hemisphere stroke in October 1956. 47 In 1958, he treated Churchill for pneumonia, atrial fibrillation and jaundice 56 and in 1962 cordinated treatment for Churchill's hip fracture. 38…”