Adolph Kussmaul was a distinguished German physician who lived from 1822-1902. Interested in the study of acquired language disorders, Kussmaul posited in 1877 that verbal expression goes through three distinct stages: preparation, internal diction, and articulation. He coined the term "agrammatism" as a description of the inability to form a grammatical or intelligible sentence and the term "pure word deafness" for conditions in which a patient can read and speak but cannot understand the spoken word.
Kussmaul was the first physician to note the increase in venous pressure during inspiration that is a sign of cardiac disease. Today this is known as Kussmaul's sign. Kussmaul was also the first doctor to note the labored breathing of patients who have ketoacidosis or who are in a diabetic coma. Today this type of breathing is known today as Kussmaul breathing or air hunger.
Last updated: January 21, 2005.
