Alexandre-Achille Souques

Alexandre-Achille Souques
Born	1860 Paris, France
Died	1944 Paris, France
Nationality	French
Occupation	Neurologist

Alexandre-Achille Souques (1860–1944) was a prominent French neurologist known for his contributions to the study of neurology and his work on Parkinson's disease. He is particularly remembered for describing the "Souques' phenomenon" and his involvement in the early 20th-century understanding of post-encephalitic parkinsonism.

Early Life and Education

Alexandre-Achille Souques was born in Paris, France, in 1860. He pursued his medical education in Paris, where he developed a keen interest in neurology. Souques studied under renowned neurologists such as Jean-Martin Charcot, who greatly influenced his career.

Career

Souques began his medical career at the Salpêtrière Hospital, a leading center for neurological research and treatment in Paris. He worked alongside other notable neurologists, contributing to the burgeoning field of neurology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Contributions to Neurology

Souques is best known for his work on Parkinson's disease and related disorders. He described the "Souques' phenomenon," a clinical sign observed in patients with hemiplegia, where the elevation of the paralyzed arm above the horizontal plane results in the involuntary extension of the fingers.

In addition to his work on Parkinson's disease, Souques was involved in the study of post-encephalitic parkinsonism, a condition that emerged following the 1918 influenza pandemic. His research helped to differentiate this condition from classical Parkinson's disease, providing valuable insights into its etiology and clinical presentation.

Publications

Souques authored numerous articles and papers on neurological disorders, contributing significantly to the medical literature of his time. His works were published in various medical journals, where he shared his findings and observations with the broader medical community.

Legacy

Alexandre-Achille Souques left a lasting impact on the field of neurology. His observations and descriptions continue to be referenced in modern neurological practice and research. Souques' dedication to understanding neurological disorders paved the way for future advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Also see

• Jean-Martin Charcot
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-encephalitic parkinsonism
• Salpêtrière Hospital