Gaspard Vieusseux
Encyclopedia
Gaspard Vieusseux was a Swiss physician who was born in Geneva
. In 1766 he obtained his doctorate from the University of Leiden, and subsequently returned to Geneva to practice medicine.
Vieusseux is remembered for his pioneer work with neurological
disorders. In 1806 he provided an early clinical description of bacterial meningitis
. This was in regards to an 1805 epidemic of the disease in the area around Geneva. In 1887 Anton Weichselbaum
(1845–1920) of Vienna
isolated the agent of meningitis, which is now known as meningococcus.
In 1808 he provided the first clinical description of lateral medullary infarction
to the Société médicochirugicale de Genève, and in 1810 described this condition to the Medical and Chirurgical Society of London
. However, this disease later became known as "Wallenberg's syndrome", named after neurologist
Adolf Wallenberg
(1862–1949), who in 1901 provided a precise anatomical
description of the disorder from an autopsy
. Vieusseux also distinguished himself as an early advocate of vaccinations for treatment against smallpox
.
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
. In 1766 he obtained his doctorate from the University of Leiden, and subsequently returned to Geneva to practice medicine.
Vieusseux is remembered for his pioneer work with neurological
Neurology
Neurology is a medical specialty dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, it deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue,...
disorders. In 1806 he provided an early clinical description of bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis refers to meningitis that is caused by bacterial infection.-Signs and Symptoms:*Fever*Seizures*Meningismus*Headache*Vomiting*Photophobia*Altered mental status and coma*Anorexia...
. This was in regards to an 1805 epidemic of the disease in the area around Geneva. In 1887 Anton Weichselbaum
Anton Weichselbaum
Anton Weichselbaum was an Austrian pathologist and bacteriologist who was a native of Schiltern....
(1845–1920) of Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
isolated the agent of meningitis, which is now known as meningococcus.
In 1808 he provided the first clinical description of lateral medullary infarction
Lateral medullary syndrome
Lateral medullary syndrome is a disease in which the patient has a constellation of neurologic symptoms due to injury to the lateral part of the medulla in the brain, resulting in tissue ischemia and necrosis.-Signs and symptoms:This syndrome is characterized by sensory deficits affecting...
to the Société médicochirugicale de Genève, and in 1810 described this condition to the Medical and Chirurgical Society of London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. However, this disease later became known as "Wallenberg's syndrome", named after neurologist
Neurologist
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in neurology, and is trained to investigate, or diagnose and treat neurological disorders.Neurology is the medical specialty related to the human nervous system. The nervous system encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. A specialist...
Adolf Wallenberg
Adolf Wallenberg
Adolf Wallenberg was a German internist and neurologist.Wallenberg was born in Preussisch Stargard. He studied at Heidelberg and Leipzig, receiving his doctorate from the latter University in 1886. From 1886 to 1888 he was assistant in the Städtisches Krankenhaus in Danzig, where he settled as a...
(1862–1949), who in 1901 provided a precise anatomical
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
description of the disorder from an autopsy
Autopsy
An autopsy—also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy , autopsia cadaverum, or obduction—is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present...
. Vieusseux also distinguished himself as an early advocate of vaccinations for treatment against smallpox
Smallpox
Smallpox was an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, which is a derivative of the Latin varius, meaning "spotted", or varus, meaning "pimple"...
.