Martínez-Mier G, Toledo-Pereyra LH

Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 80-85
PDF size: 301.78 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Robert Bárány was born in Vienna on April 22, 1876. He matriculated in Vienna until his graduation from the Vienna School of Medicine in 1900. He trained in internal medicine, neurology, and psychiatry in Germany and finally settled in 1903 in a surgical preceptorship under the supervision of Professor Politzer at the famous General Hospital of Vienna Ear Clinic for the following 10 years. Bárány defined the normal and abnormal responses to different thermal stimuli to the auditory organ, mainly focusing on the labyrinth function and semicircular channels of the middle ear. Based on his research, Bárány described signs and syndromes, and developed tests for the study of the vestibular function and its relationship with the cerebellum. As a surgeon, this eminent investigate described the surgical procedures for otosclerosis and worked as a war surgeon during World War I, being a pioneer in the treatment of gunshot wounds to the brain. He was a prisoner of war and continued practicing medicine during his internment. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1914 for his work on the physiology and pathology of the vestibular apparatus no come whille still while being held in a war prison. He was released in 1916 through the intervention of several institutions and diplomatic organizations. Following his release, he was accused of plagiary and scientific omission and was absolved of these charges by an investigation of Karolinska Institute. Bárány lived the rest of his life in Sweden working as chief of otological services at the University of Uppsala until his death on April 8, 1936.

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