Electrophysiological testing of two soldiers during World War I provided the basis for identifying what became known as Guillain-Barré syndrome. André Strohl worked alongside Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré at the Neurological Centre of the French Sixth Army to document this condition, which is characterized by areflexic paralysis, normal cell counts, and elevated protein levels in spinal fluid.
Military Service and Research
Strohl conducted the critical electrophysiological examinations on these patients. In 1916, the medical team published their findings in the Bulletins et mémoires de la Société des Médecins des Hôpitaux de Paris. While later researchers named the condition after Guillain and Barré in 1927, Strohl remains central to the initial clinical discovery.
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Strohl received his education at the University of Paris before establishing a career that spanned physiology, biophysics, radiology, and medicine. In 1924, he accepted a professorship of physiological medicine in Algiers. He returned to the University of Paris two years later to hold the same title, where he continued to teach and research until his retirement in 1957.
Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Strohl maintained status within the French medical community as a member of the Académie Nationale de Médecine. In 1950, his contributions to the field were recognized when he was named an Officer of the Legion of Honour. He passed away in 1977 in the 14th arrondissement of Paris.
Fast facts
- Born: 1887, Poitiers
- Died: 1977, 14th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Education: University of Paris
- Military role: Neurological Centre of the French Sixth Army
- Major award: Officer of the Legion of Honour, 1950
- Professional memberships: Académie Nationale de Médecine
Questions readers ask
Why is the condition sometimes called Guillain-Barré-Strohl syndrome?
It acknowledges the role of André Strohl, who performed the electrophysiological tests during the initial 1916 study, though the name was coined by others in 1927.
What subjects did André Strohl teach?
He was a professor of physiological medicine, having taught in Algiers and later at the University of Paris.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 1950
- Held posts at University of Paris
