Louis Pasteur’s first stroke: a capsular warning syndrome avant la letter

J. J. Zarranz Imirizaldu
Neurosciences and History 2020;8(4):120-132

Type of article: ORIGINAL

AUTHOR

J. J. Zarranz Imirizaldu
Emeritus chair. Department of Neuroscience. Universidad del País Vasco.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. In his own right, Louis Pasteur is recognised as one of humankind’ s greatest benefactors for his contributions to chemistry and especially for his research into the nature and prevention of infectious diseases. Laudably, he conducted much of his work after overcoming the severe sequelae of a stroke at the early age of 46 years.

Material and methods. The life and work of Louis Pasteur have been described in several biographies, and are summarised here. To attempt to reconstruct the nature of his stroke, we essentially rely on details from the accounts of his grandson and son-in-law.

Results. Pasteur developed complete left hemiplegia with no symptoms or signs of cortical or brainstem involvement, suggesting a capsular lesion.

Discussion. The most specific detail of the clinical picture is that hemiplegia was established after a succession of 20 to 30 transient ischaemic attacks within less than 24 hours, known today as capsular warning syndrome, which was disconcerting for the physicians treating him. The pathological basis of the syndrome and the treatment options are discussed.

KEYWORDS

Stroke, Pasteur, stroke warning syndrome, capsular warning syndrome, lacunar state, small vessel disease, lacune

Neurosciences and History 2020;8(4):120-132