The early history of tuberous sclerosis

Abstract

The early history of tuberous sclerosis can be traced from European wax models of the skin lesions in the 1830s to its recognition as a systemic disease by the early 1900s. There are various origins for the terms used for tuberous sclerosis, including Pringle's disease, Bourneville's disease, adenoma sebaceum, and epiloia. Since these terms are confusing and inaccurate, we urge that they no longer be used.