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Questions and Answers
What caused Charles Osborne's hiccups to start?
How long did Charles Osborne experience hiccups?
What is one possible cause for Charles's persistent hiccups?
How many children did Charles Osborne have?
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What treatment did Charles try in an attempt to stop his hiccups?
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What is an estimated number of times Charles hiccupped throughout his life?
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Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a method people have tried to cure hiccups?
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Which year marks the end of Charles Osborne's 68-year bout with hiccups?
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Study Notes
Charles Osborne's Case of Hiccups
- Charles Osborne, a farmhand in the USA, experienced the longest case of hiccups, lasting for 68 years.
- In 1922, he was lifting a heavy pig (almost 160 kg, equivalent to 32 school bags) when he fell and started hiccuping.
- Doctors believe the fall caused a burst blood vessel at the base of his brain, preventing the 'shutting off' of the hiccup reflex.
- Alternatively, the fall could have injured his lower ribs or diaphragm, leading to the persistent hiccups.
- Despite the hiccups affecting his daily life, Charles married twice, had eight children, and continued to work.
- He even learnt a breathing technique to minimize the sound of his hiccups.
- Numerous reported hiccup cures were attempted, including holding his breath, standing upside down, and even being startled by a shotgun.
- Charles also underwent treatment at a medical clinic, but the hiccups always returned.
- Charles holds the record for the longest time spent with hiccups, from 1922 to 1990, with an estimated 420 million hiccups in total.
- His case was widely written about in newspapers and he even appeared on TV talk shows.
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Description
Explore the fascinating case of Charles Osborne, who suffered from hiccups for an astounding 68 years. This quiz covers the events leading to his condition, the medical explanations, and his attempts to find relief from these persistent hiccups. Test your knowledge on this unique story of resilience and medical mystery!
