Objective: The authors present a historical review of the contributions made by Italian professor Camillo Negro to neurology.

Background: Negro published several books on clinical neurology, was one of the pioneers of scientific films and described numerous neurological diseases. He is best known for describing the cogwheel phenomenon in patients with Parkinson’s disease but also described a sign of peripheral facial paralysis. Negro pioneered the use of cinematography in teaching and the study of nervous diseases.

Method: Review of literature data and description of sign of cogwheel phenomenon in patients with Parkinson’s disease, whose was named as troclea dentate by him; and also, Negro’s sign, which can be observed in peripheral facial paralysis.

Results: Camillo Negro (Biella, 1861 – Torino, 1927) was an Italian neurologist and neuropathologist. In 1884 he graduated in medicine from the University of Turin. Spurred by his interest in neuropathology and the absence of a true Italian school in this discipline, Negro decided to go abroad, moving to Germany. On his return to his native country, he began to provide a free counseling service for patients with neuropathological conditions at the Policlinico Umberto I general hospital in Rome, an activity he was to continue until his death. In addition to his intense academic activity, Negro was one of the founders of the Italian Society of Neurology. He was a passionate teacher, presenting original observations on physiology, histology and pathophysiology. Cogwheel rigidity and Negro’s sign, associated with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and peripheral facial palsy, respectively, are also claimed to have been first described by him.

Conclusion: Negro authored more than 150 studies and clinical notes and made many original contributions in the field of neurology. He was a passionate teacher. Cogwheel rigidity and Negro’s sign, associated with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and peripheral facial palsy, respectively, are also claimed to have been first described by him.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/camillo-negro-and-his-contributions-to-neurology/