‘The Elephant Man’ is based on the life story of man who suffered from a disease not being identified correctly till date. The man Joseph Merrick was born on August 5, 1862 and was a normal child till the age of 21 months. At this stage, the child displayed unusual growth on his lip and forehead which grew with his age. After some time, the difference in the size of his left and right hand became prominent, thus indicating a problem in the child. The disease was associated with physical deformity and by the age of 13, Joseph Merrick had physical deformity of head, one hand, both legs and spinal cord.
Physical deformity is attributed to the heredity factor as his mother was also reported to suffer from physical deformity. The genes have been present in family as his sister also suffered from physical deformity. The disease of Mr. Merrick was associated with a rare gene mutation which led to deformity of bones, weakening of bones and enlargement of soft tissues and bones in body, Proteus Syndrome. This is a rare disease.
Despite the crippled body and distorted physical appearance, Joseph Merrick had average intelligence and normal metabolic and reproductive functions. The normal reproductive function is assessed through the presence of normal reproductive organs as Mr. Merrick didn’t have any children. There are several significant health pattern exhibited in the health pattern assessment of elephant man.
Researches by institute claims to have revealed the gene which might have been the cause of elephant man disease, though it’s reported to remain incurable at this time. However, institutions like Proteus Syndrome foundation UK provides information and fund raising help to individuals suffering from this disease.
Bibliography
Merrick Revealed. (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2011, from Discovery Health: http://health.discovery.com/convergence/elephantman/elephantman.html
National Institute of Health. (2011, July 27). Retrieved October 31, 2011, from NIH News: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2011/nhgri-27.htm
Proteus Syndrome Foundation UK. (1999, September). Retrieved October 31, 2011, from Proteus Syndrome UK: http://www.proteus-syndrome.org.uk/sections.php?name=About_Us
The Elephant Man. (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2011, from Doctor Secrets: http://www.doctorsecrets.com/amazing-medical-facts/elephant-man/the-elephant-man.html
