Helen Keller lost her sight at the age of 19 months due to a severe illness characterized by a high fever. Doctors at the time diagnosed her condition as "brain fever." Modern medical experts, however, believe the illness was likely scarlet fever or meningitis.
The Early Childhood Illness and Its Impact
Helen Keller's life was dramatically altered in February 1882 when, as a very young child, she contracted a debilitating illness.
- Age of Onset: Keller was just 19 months old when she fell ill.
- Symptoms: The primary symptom was a very high fever.
- Consequence: The illness left her completely deaf and blind, profoundly impacting her ability to communicate and perceive the world around her.
Historical and Modern Medical Diagnoses
While the exact nature of the illness remains a subject of historical medical interpretation, there are two main perspectives on what caused Helen Keller's profound sensory loss.
| Period of Diagnosis | Medical Terminology Used | Current Medical Understanding |
|---|---|---|
| Circa 1882 | "Brain fever" | A broad term for conditions affecting the brain, often involving high fever. |
| Modern Experts | Scarlet fever or Meningitis | Both are serious bacterial infections known to cause high fevers and potentially lead to neurological damage, including sensory loss, if left untreated or if severe. |
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, known for its distinctive rash and fever. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, typically caused by bacterial or viral infection, which can lead to severe complications, including sensory impairments.
The rapid onset and severe consequences of her illness underscore the devastating impact of infectious diseases during that era, particularly before the widespread availability of antibiotics and advanced medical care. Her subsequent journey of learning and communication, guided by Anne Sullivan, became a testament to human resilience in overcoming such challenges.
