Désiré-Magloire Bourneville and his contributions to pediatric neurology

Abstract

Désiré-Magloire Bourneville ought to be thought of as the father of Pediatric Neurology for his significant contributions to the field. He worked as a physician, politician, writer, and editor. He was the first to describe the autosomal dominant genetic condition known as “tuberous sclerosis complex”, after conducting an autopsy on a young female patient, where the main finding in the central nervous system was multiple dense tubers. The patient had refractory epilepsy and intellectual disability. His work was based on the study of epilepsy and idiocy, and he was also an advocate of public health and social medicine education; creating day hospital programs for children with this type of neurologic disease.

Désiré Bourneville: A Socialist in Charcot’s Inner Circle

“…Then, he was transferred to the child psychiatric service at the Bicêtre , transforming this service into a model of excellence ‒ in the course of 10 years, it was being called “The glory of France.” At this hospital, he conducted most of his research, particularly on the subject of mental retardation and tuberous sclerosis (which was later known as Bourneville’s disease). In 1905, he retired from the Bicêtre and was entrusted director of the Foundation Vallée, focusing on the treatment of mentally retarded and epileptic children [6, 7, 9].…”

“…At this hospital, he conducted most of his research, particularly on the subject of mental retardation and tuberous sclerosis (which was later known as Bourneville's disease). In 1905, he retired from the Bicêtre and was entrusted director of the Foundation Vallée, focusing on the treatment of mentally retarded and epileptic children [6,7,9].…”

“…His ashes were laid to rest on Père Lachaise Cemetery, where a civil funeral was held. His casket was accompanied by a crowd, composed largely of the nursing staff from hospitals and asylums [6][7][8][9].…”

“…His con-tributions to the description of tuberous sclerosis and his works on public health helped to better develop the specialty of pediatric neurology (Fig. 1) [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”

“…In opposition, the Salpêtrière milieu was predominantly composed of the wealthy and powerful. Charcot, despite not coming from a rich family himself (although not as humble as Bourneville), was surrounded by the economic and cultural elite, which was constantly present at his Leçons du Mardi and his soirées in his house at Boulevard Saint-Germain [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. The aim of this study is to present the life and works of Désiré-Magloire Bourneville, highlighting the disparities between his sociopolitical profile and the predominantly conservative environment at Charcot's Salpêtrière.…”