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.