This study aims to shed light on the remarkable contributions of Alfred Hauptmann, who was the first to demonstrate the efficacy of phenobarbital in the treatment of seizures.

The early 20th century witnessed significant advancements and breakthroughs in the treatment of epilepsy, and Professor Alfred Hauptmann emerged as a prominent figure during this era. In 1912, he introduced phenobarbital as one of the earliest antiepileptic drugs. This came after more than half a century of limited progress in drug therapy since the use of potassium bromide in the 1850s. Originally marketed as a sleeping aid, Hauptmann began administering phenobarbital to seizure patients, eventually uncovering its potential as an anti-seizure agent. Hauptmann also made substantial contributions to our understanding of hereditary myopathies. In 1941, he was the first to describe a new myopathic condition, later named Hauptmann-Thannhauser muscular dystrophy.

Literature review

Professor Hauptmann was born in the small German town of Gleiwitz in 1881. His academic journey included tenures at Heidelberg, Hamburg, and Freiburg. After earning his doctorate and the qualification for full professorship (habilitation), he assumed the position of Chair in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Halle, following in the footsteps of two other renowned German neurologists, Anton and Wernicke. During the Nazi regime, he was compelled to resign from his position due to his Jewish heritage, a fate shared by many of his contemporaries. He endured temporary imprisonment in the Dachau concentration camp and was ultimately forced to emigrate to the United States. He joined the faculty at Tufts University, where he remained until his passing in 1948.

A comprehensive literature review of Hauptmann's work in the field of neurology provides valuable insights into the significance of relentless curiosity and meticulous patient evaluation. His pioneering contributions continue to inspire the neurologic community.