Abstract Details

Title Married Minds, Brilliant Brains: The Déjerines’ Impact on Neurology

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) P6 - Poster Session 6 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 20-008

Objective To highlight the impact of the discoveries and careers of Joseph and Augusta Déjerine, whose joint contributions were instrumental in the development of neurology.

Background As spouses and physicians, Joseph and Augusta Déjerine profoundly shaped neurology through pioneering research in neuroanatomy and clinical neurology, ranging from vascular syndromes to nerve paralysis.

Design/Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar with the key search terms: “Augusta Déjerine” and “Joseph Déjerine.”

Results Joseph Déjerine, born in Switzerland in 1849, pursued medicine in Paris, becoming a leading neurologist. He described pure alexia from occipital lesions and later identified a third form of alexia linked to Broca’s aphasia. With Jules Sottas, he reported progressive muscular atrophy in siblings, and with Gustave Roussy, characterized the thalamic pain syndrome (Déjerine–Roussy syndrome).

Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke, born in San Francisco in 1859, was among the first women to gain prominence in French neurology. In 1885, she described lower brachial plexus injury with Horner’s syndrome, now known as Klumpke’s palsy. Her research on spinal cord and peripheral nerve lesions established her as a neuroanatomist. During World War I, she pioneered rehabilitation therapy at the Hôtel national des Invalides.

Together, they published Anatomie des centres nerveux (1895), a pioneering atlas of macroscopic neuroanatomy, including white matter tracts and subcortical nuclei. Augusta also supported Joseph during the “aphasia debate” against Pierre Marie, exemplifying their intellectual partnership. They united their personal and professional lives, creating a lasting legacy in neurology.

Conclusions The careers of Drs. Joseph and Augusta Déjerine shaped modern neurology. Their discoveries in neuroanatomy, aphasia, thalamic pain, and peripheral nerve injuries advanced our understanding of the nervous system while demonstrating the power of collaboration. Their contributions remain foundational to modern clinical practice.

Authors/Disclosures
Jose Vasconez, Sr. PRESENTER	Mr. Vasconez has nothing to disclose.
Milena M. Davila, medical student	Miss Davila has nothing to disclose.
Jhoel S. Maldonado, MD	Dr. Maldonado has nothing to disclose.
Daniel Galvez, Student	Mr. Galvez has nothing to disclose.
Kathya antonella Alonzo	Miss Alonzo has nothing to disclose.
GIANCARLO T. VELA	Mr. VELA has nothing to disclose.

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