Adolf von Strümpell: a key yet neglected protagonist of neurology

Abstract

German internist and neurologist Adolf von Strümpell (1853-1925) was a leading figure in German neurosciences around 1900 and helped to establish neurology as a discipline in its own right. He made contributions that were crucial to the development of the subject and in many cases his were the first descriptions of complex diseases such as Bechterew disease (ankylosing spondylitis), primary lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegia, and syphilis. His Textbook of Special Pathology and Therapy of Internal Diseases, published in English as Text-book of Medicine for Students and Practitioners, and in particular the subvolume on neurological diseases, were the guiding manuals for the training in neurology for decades. However, despite his pioneering achievements, his name has almost become unknown within medical terminology. This article, therefore, wishes to revive an awareness not only of the most important stages in Strümpell's life in Erlangen, Leipzig, Breslau (Wrocław), and Vienna, but also of his scientific achievements, focusing primarily on his neurological studies. To this end, the article reviews his most important publications on the subject and seeks to evaluate their and hence Strümpell's impact on the understanding of certain illnesses.

Pallidopyramidal Syndrome and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia common features and diagnostic approach and therapeutic considerations

“…HSP was first described in 1880 by Adolf Strumpell (18). A few years later, Maurice Lorrain (1888) published a contribution to the clinical and anatomical study of HSP (19). Ever since then, HSP has been known as Strumpell-Lorrain disease.…”

Hereditary spastic paraplegia from 1880 to 2017: an historical review

“…Nevertheless, a critical analysis of Seeligmüller's publication highlighted that the patient studied had a clinical picture dominated by muscular atrophy and bulbar paralysis, features not suggestive of HSP itself. In 1888, Maurice Lorrain, a French neurologist, published a more detailed contribution to the anatomical and clinical study of HSPs; hence HSP also being known as Strümpell-Lorrain disease 19,20 .…”

Wilhelm Erb's Years in Leipzig (1880-1883) and Their Impact on the History of Neurology

“…Moreover, he actively participated in the weekly meetings of the illustrious ‘Leipzig Nervous Circle' (Nervenkränzchen) at Leipzig's renowned Baarmann restaurant, where he joined Cohnheim, brain researcher and psychiatrist Paul Flechsig (1847-1929), neuroanatomist Wilhelm His (1837-1904) and clinician Adolf von Strümpell, who in 1883 was to become Erb's successor as Head of the Medical Outpatient Department [29]. Besides discussing scientific and personal issues in a pleasant and sociable atmosphere, the members of this circle also shared a deep interest in the city's musical life.…”