Anatomical history | 2: Georges Couthon
It is still heavily debated on which exact illnes or injury caused Georges Couthon's paralysis. However there are two main theories that are accepted in historical fields, both of which are Myelitis and MS (or as more know: Multiple Sclerosis). Another theory that was heavily used even in 1700s was tuberculosis paralysis (Pott's paraplegia, but that theory doesn't have enough historical or medical evidence to back it up.)
Couthon's Myelitis caused an inflammation in his spinal cord. Such inflammation is what is thought to have caused his issues with pain and paralysis. It is not entirely known whether his inflamation was in his Thoric spine or in his lumbar spine as it is not correctly recorded in any resources whether his lower back was paralyzed with his legs. But it is believed to be mostly in his lumbar back, most likely in the spinal cord near the L1 vertebrae.
His paralysis also caused pain in his thighs and legs (AKA he still had sensation in the affected areas but couldnt use them. Which is a huge symptom of Myelitis)
In the end the condition forced him to use a cane, then two crutches, and then by 1793 he was completely wherlchair-bound.
His MS didn't cause cause the "usual" symptoms of visual impairments or mood problems, so that theory is almost completely supported only on the grounds of his muscle atrophy and spinal weakness before his paralysis.
Additionally:
Georges Couthon has always had some issues with either his legs or joints as it is recorded that even in childhood he had pains in those places.
