A reference hand-book for nursesBeck, Amanda K. (Amanda Kathryn)
Science
A reference hand-book for nurses
Beck, Amanda K. (Amanda Kathryn)
Nursing
In the use of galvanism we may speak of two different methods. First,
what is called cerebral galvanism, second general. By experimentation
it has been clearly demonstrated that all the deeper tissues and
organs of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, liver, etc., may
be influenced by galvanism. In cerebral galvanism the object is to
influence the brain and spinal cord. In applying it to the head, a
sponge or cotton-covered electrode 4-5” in diameter may be used. The
positive electrode is applied to forehead, the negative at nape of
neck, using a current of 5-10 milliamperes for from five to fifteen
minutes, care being taken not to suddenly make or break the current, as
this would produce a disagreeable shock to the patient. The circulation
of the brain may be affected also by placing an electrode at the nape
of the neck, and a smaller electrode (1-2” in diameter) passed up and
down along the border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle, using a
current of 3-5 milliamperes. Galvanism used in this way is beneficial
in such conditions as cerebral anemia, neurasthenia, insomnia, etc. In
applying to the spine, one electrode may be used at the upper and the
other at the lower part of the spine; or a large-sized electrode may
be placed over the abdomen, and the other electrode moved up and down
the spine without breaking or interrupting the current, the strength
of which may be from 10-20 milliamperes, and the duration of each
application varied to suit the condition of the patient. This treatment
is indicated in such disorders as neurasthenia, infantile spinal
paralysis, locomotor ataxia, etc.
General galvanization may be given by placing a large-sized electrode
at the spine, over the abdomen, or at the soles of the feet, the other
electrode, smaller in size, being passed over the entire surface of
the body without interrupting the current, which may be from 5-8
milliamperes. This procedure will stimulate the peripheral circulation,
elimination, and nutrition. The muscles may be exercised by using an
interrupted current of sufficient strength only to cause contraction.
General galvanization is very beneficial in such conditions as
neurasthenia requiring the rest treatment, convalescence from various
diseases, paralysis, multiple neuritis, etc. In the use of electricity
it should be remembered that patients show idiosyncrasies as in the use
of drugs, so that each case should be given the amount of electricity
best suited to individual peculiarities. Unless this point be kept in
mind, we will be surprised to find at times that the use of electricity
aggravates the patient’s condition.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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