To divulge the impact of the discoveries and career of the first female neuroanatomist and how her contributions were instrumental in neuroanatomy research, with particular emphasis on rehabilitation therapy after spinal cord injuries.

Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke, best known for characterizing the paralysis of the lower brachial plexus, now named Klumpke’s radicular palsy, was a formidable neurologist and researcher. She was a pioneer in several areas of neurology and served as a role model for women in medicine.

A systemic literature review was conducted using PUBMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE using key search terms: “Augusta Déjerine-Kumpke” and “women in neurology”

Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke was born in San Francisco, California in 1859 and moved to Paris during her childhood. Throughout her career, she encountered multiple challenges, applied various times for hospital externships, and was rejected, given her sex. Finally, in 1880, she started clinical service at the Hôspital de la Charité as a medical student. In 1883 she described a patient with avulsion of the lowest root of the brachial plexus T1 level, who presented with ipsilateral Horner's syndrome, paralysis of the small hand muscles and sensory loss (ulnar distribution). 

Déjerine-Klumpke's passion for research, particularly in the field of anatomy with an emphasis on the spinal cord and peripheral nerve system, was unwavering. Her marriage to Joseph Déjerine, an esteemed French neurologist, was a partnership of equals. Together, they published a well-known two-volume text on neuroanatomy, "Anatomy of the Central Nervous System". 

She had a very productive career until she died in Paris in 1927. Déjerine had the honor of becoming the first female president of the French Society of Neurology in 1914.

Literature review of the life of Doctor Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke and her tremendous impact on the field of neurology and the current understanding of spinal injuries, that inspires women in medical careers.