Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke, M.D. (1859-1927): a historical perspective on Klumpke's palsy

Neurosurgery. 2008 Aug;63(2):359-66; discussion 366-7.

Abstract

Although the lower trunk brachial plexus palsy known as Klumpke's palsy is a familiar and challenging entity to the medical community, relatively little is known about Dr. Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke. Dr. Déjerine-Klumpke influenced generations of physicians with her contributions to the description and treatment of neurological diseases. We review the legacy of Dr. Déjerine-Klumpke by focusing on the life, career, and medical contributions of this remarkable woman, using translations of the French manuscripts composed at various times in her career. These publications, combined with the existing English-language literature that provides a tribute to her contributions as both a scientist and physician, give an insight into the condition that carries her name.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • Birth Injuries / history
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / history*
  • France
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / history
  • United States

Personal name as subject

  • Augusta Déjerine-Klumpke