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Guillain–Barré Syndrome had a third researcher, but his name disappeared: what’s the mystery

While the GBS disease bears the name of Georges Guillain and Jean-Alexandre Barré, there was a third researcher as well. Why did Andre Strohl's name disappear?

(From left) Guillain, Barré and Strohl published a paper in 1916 about two French soldiers who were suffering from partial paralysis. (Photos: Wikimedia Commons)

Andre Strohl died on March 10, 1977 — knowing that one of his chief contributions to medicine does not bear his name. His connection is with the Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), which India has recently seen several cases of, specially in Pune.

It is not known how many people had suffered before medical papers of the 19th century began to record a health condition that involved “progressive numbness and weakness over a short period, followed by spontaneous recovery”. We know the condition as GBS today, but it was a French doctor, Jean Baptiste Octave Landry, who first described the condition of ascending paralysis in 1859.

According to the US federal government’s National Library of Medicine, “for more than half a century, Landry was eponymous with the disease”. The GBS Support Group of the UK adds that “the term ‘Landry’s ascending paralysis” was first used in 1876. The usual treatment was with strychnine (a type of poison), which probably did the unfortunate patients more harm than good.”

Who were Guillain and Barré, after whom the syndrome is named?

Georges Guillain, whose father was an engineer and mother the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, began to study medicine in his hometown, Rouen in France. He worked with several hospitals in Paris and became the head of the Neurology Centre of the sixth French Army during World War 1. It was while serving in the war that he met Jean-Alexandre Barré.

Barré, who was going to be a surgeon before being introduced to the world of neurology, is also well-known for the Barré test, which is still used in neurological practice.

Completing the trio was Strohl, who was conducting radiological examinations while serving in the French army. In 1916, Strohl showed how a radiological imaging technique could be used to find a bullet lodged in the body of a person.

Guillain, Barré and Strohl published a paper in 1916 about two French soldiers who were suffering from partial paralysis and muscle weakening. “The cause of the condition was left unanswered…” says the GBS Support Group of the UK.

The omission

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It was in 1927 that the term GBS was first used in a presentation – and a mystery was born. Barré introduced the presentation but – in a case that baffles scholars – Strohl’s name was omitted. His name was also removed from the list of authors in the 1916 paper.

“So, while Guillian and Barré continue to receive recognition, spare a thought for poor, neglected Strohl, whom history has ignored. Consider, too, the work of Landry, the victim of an early death from an illness he contracted from his own patients,” says GBS Support Group of the UK.

An article in the National Library of Medicine, by Lukasz Rzepiński and Andrzej Grzybowski, says that “despite the passage of time, the real reasons for Strohl’s ostracism are shrouded in mystery”.

The article says that according to some scholars, “there was a possible political context for dropping Strohl’s name from the eponym. Strohl’s parents came from Alsace – a heavily German province in France, his surname was German and his mentor, Professor Weiss, was also of Alsatian origin. All these could have made Strohl a victim of the anti-German mood prevailing in France at that time. Nevertheless, by joining the French army during WWI at his own request, despite fragile health, Strohl definitely proved his patriotism…we strongly encourage the common use of Guillain-Barré-Strohl syndrome instead of GBS.”

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More