What is Charcot’s Triad?

Charcot identified two different medical triads. These include: Charcot’s Triad of Multiple Sclerosis and Charcot’s Triad of Ascending Cholangitis. They are both identifying very different diseases and disorders and should not be confused with one another.

Charcot’s triad for Multiple Sclerosis identifies three medical signs which highlight possible brain stem damage or involvement:

1. Nystagmus (the uncontrolled movement of the eyes from in a lateral motion)

2. Intention tremor

3. Staccato speech

It is important to recognise that although these three signs are indicative of multiple sclerosis, they are not definitive of the diagnosis.

Charcot’s triad for ascending cholangitis

1. Jaundice (yellow tinge to the skin)

2. Fever, usually with rigors (shakes and tremors)

3. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain.

Charcot’s triad for ascending cholangitis is a result of ascending cholangitis (an infection of the biliary tree duct often caused by E-coli).