James Stansfield Collier

St Mary's Hospital

James Stansfield Collier (1870–1935) was a prominent British neurologist known for his significant contributions to the field of neurology. He is best remembered for describing the Collier's sign, a clinical sign indicative of a specific type of brain tumor affecting the cranial nerves.

Early Life and Education

James Stansfield Collier was born in 1870 in the United Kingdom. He pursued his medical education at a prestigious medical school, where he showed early interest in the workings of the human nervous system. After completing his medical degree, Collier dedicated himself to the study of neurology, a field that was still in its infancy at the time.

Career

Throughout his career, Collier made several important contributions to neurology. He worked extensively on the anatomy and pathology of the brain, focusing on how diseases affect brain function. One of his most notable contributions was the identification of the Collier's sign, which is characterized by unilateral eyelid ptosis and miosis, indicative of a lesion in the superior cervical ganglion or a Parinaud's syndrome, suggesting a lesion in the midbrain.

Collier was also known for his work on multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders. He published numerous articles and books on these subjects, helping to advance the understanding and treatment of neurological diseases.

Legacy

James Stansfield Collier's work left a lasting impact on the field of neurology. His research and clinical observations continue to be referenced by neurologists today. The Collier's sign remains a critical diagnostic tool for identifying certain types of brain tumors and other neurological conditions.

Selected Publications

Collier authored several influential texts and papers in neurology, although specific titles are not listed here, his work on cranial nerve disorders and neurological pathology has been widely recognized and cited in subsequent neurological research and publications.

Death

James Stansfield Collier passed away in 1935, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering work in neurology. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the diagnosis and understanding of neurological disorders.