What is "Jakeleg" syndrome?

Answer 1

Ok, this is the only reference I found in Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican_ginger

"Jamaican Ginger Extract (known in the United States by the slang name Jake) was an early 20th century patent medicine that provided a convenient way to bypass Prohibition laws, since it contained as much as 85% ethyl alcohol."

So... some folks made a tweeked version of the stuff, used something (triorthocresyl phosphate [TCP or TOCP]) that kills off nervous system cells, and...

"Large numbers of jake users began to lose the use of their feet and sometimes their hands. Lucky users recovered full or partial use, but for most, the loss was permanent.

Some victims could walk, but the muscles controlling their feet did not work, and so they walked by throwing their legs high in the air and flopping their feet onto the ground. This very peculiar gait became known as the jake walk and those afflicted were known to have jake leg. The first cases were observed in early 1930, and it was very rapidly appreciated that jake was involved."

Answer 2

Lazy man Syndrome

Answer 3

Back in the days when alcohol was illegal, there was alot of home made moonshine going around. Sometimes chemicals were added to water down the alcohol so there would be more of it, but if it was a strong tasting chemical it wouldnt taste watered down. Think of it like the way sometimes dealers cut impurities into their drugs.

this is the site where I got the info
http://www.ibiblio.org/moonshine/drink/jake.html

Serious medical symptoms, different from the ones associated with legally manufactured alcohol, often result from drinking moonshine. Often these symptoms are immediate, sometimes they're temporary, but sometimes they're permanent. Becuase of the additives, sometimes people would go blind from drinking moonshine, or suffer nerve damage or develop sores or ulcers.
In the 1930s, though, a specific affliction struck moonshine drinkers in a number of Southern states. It is estimated that some 50,000 people were crippled with partial paralysis, mostly in their legs, as a result of drinking "jake". In some cases the paralysis proved to be temporary, but nearly all victims were forced to walk with in high-stepping, foot-slapping style that quickly became known as the "jake walk" or the "jake leg".

Answer 4

Jake Leg

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is "Jakeleg" syndrome?

Answer 6

A leg that is like Jake's. Just kidding... it is a Moonshine related ailment. Your feet go numb. It is also know as the Jake Walk Effect.

Answer 7

Hi,,, that is an old term used during the prohibition days ,,, People would drink "Jamaican Ginger" a homemade alcohol,, kind of like Moonshine,, and it poisoned the body,,,, and made them drag one of their legs.... Therefore.... ie: the Jake Leg.......

true story,, my parents taught me that,,,,, years ago....

good luck

Answer 8

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Answer 9

1

Answer 10

Jakeleg, as far as i know, is a condition caused by drinking too much moonshine. It sounds stupid, but it's true. When the government cannot monitor the product safety of liquor, you shouldn't drink it. God knows what could be wrong with it.