Henri Gastaut

Henri Jean Pascal Gastaut (* April 1915, Monaco – † July 1995) was a French neurologist.

Biography

He was educated in neurology and neuroanatomy at the University of Marseille, obtaining his medical doctorate in 1945. In 1953 he became head of the neurobiological laboratories at the Marseille Hospital. He was named professor of anatomical pathology in 1954 and director of the regional centre for epileptic children in 1960. In 1973 a chair of clinical neurophysiology was created for him, a tenure he held until his retirement in 1984.

His major interests involved research of electroencephalography and brain functionality in epilepsy. For several years he was secretary general (1957–1969) of the International League Against Epilepsy, where from 1969 to 1973, he served as its president. In 1967 he was elected dean of the University of Marseille School of Medicine.

Published works

• H. Gastaut, R. Broughton "Epileptic Seizures. Clinical and Electrographic Features, Diagnosis and Treatment". Springfield, Illinois, Charles C. Thomas 1973.
• H. Gastaut, in Collaboration with an International Group of Experts: "Dictionary of Epilepsy. Part I: Definitions". World Health Organization, Geneva 1973.

He attempted to understand possible ties between epilepsy and artistic genius in individuals such as Fedor Dostoyevski, Gustave Flaubert, and Vincent van Gogh, and published a number of papers about this relationship.

Associated eponyms

• Gastaut's syndrome: Photosensitive epilepsy with heliotropism and arm rocking.
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A epileptic condition with onset in childhood with nighttime myoclonic seizures, head nodding, and drop attacks especially prominent.