| thin |
Tyler was very thin all of his life. [2a] |
| symmetric paralysis |
While a 30 year old Congressman in Washington, Tyler developed an illness that remains difficult to diagnose. Based on Tyler's clear description of the illness [More] it would today be described as a symmetric, generalized, subacute paralysis. His recovery was so slow and prolonged that he resigned from Congress for two years [2b]. Possible diagnoses include Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, tick paralysis, diphtheritic paralysis, and botulism [2c]. |
| dysentery |
Tyler retired to his Virginia estate after leaving the White House. He suffered repeated attacks of dysentery in the summer [2c], the causes of which are unknown [2a]. Tyler had little faith in doctors. He regularly "took the waters" at various spas in Virginia. He became a believer in sulfur hydrotherapy. He also took "massive" doses of calomel regularly, which may have contributed to his gastrointestinal problems. [2c] |
| frequent colds |
Tyler frequently suffered from respiratory infections in the winter. [2d] |
| general ills |
During the last 8 years of his life, Tyler was afflicted with numerous unspecified aches and pains. He was prone to colds, arthritis, and kidney problems [2c]. He wrote: "I have many aches and pains. They will attend on a sexogenarian, however, so be it, for I am convinced that it is all wisely ordained by providence" [2e] |
Death:
stroke |
In January 1862, while serving in the Congress of the Confederacy, Tyler became dizzy and vomited, as he had in numerous previous episodes. He complained of a chill, and went downstairs for a cup of tea. He then slumped to the floor, unconscious, but revived [2e]. Tyler was ordered to bed the next day, and the day following complained of a suffocating feeling. He was treated with mustard plasters, brandy, and a morphine-containing cough medicine. He died soon afterwards [2e]. Most likely, Tyler died of a stroke. The episodes of dizziness beforehand were probably transient ischemic attacks [2e]. |
