Théophile Alajouanine

Théophile Alajouanine (French: [teofil alaʒuanin]; 12 June 1890 – 2 May 1980) was a French neurologist.

Théophile Alajouanine was born in Verneix, Allier. He was a student of Joseph Jules Dejerine and a colleague of Georges Guillain and Charles Foix. He was a prolific writer on many topics but was particularly interested in aphasia.

A great scholar and enthusiastic bibliophile, Alajouanine had privileged relationships with famous writers during his neurological and neuropsychological career. Fyodor Dostoevsky's biography and works provided him with a penetrating look into the world of epilepsy. He was the composer Ravel's neurologist, and published an account of the composer's aphasia.

The Laboratoire Théophile-Alajouanine, Centre hospitalier Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal is named after him.

Associated eponyms

• Foix–Alajouanine syndrome: a rare disease of the spinal cord characterized by dysfunction of the spinal cord due to a dural arteriovenous malformation.
• Marie–Foix–Alajouanine syndrome: ataxia of the cerebellum in advanced age. Frequently due to abuse of alcohol.