A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of EpilepsyBennett, Alexander Hughes
Science
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy
Bennett, Alexander Hughes
Epilepsy
Under the heading of general phenomena of neurasthenia is included a
series of indefinite subjective neurotic symptoms, without intellectual
or bodily deficiencies, in which the patient complained of headache,
neuralgic pains, tremors, of being easily startled and frightened, with
that general instability of the nervous system to which the term
neurasthenia has been given. This condition is extremely common in the
epileptic, and is frequently relieved by treatment. At other times it
remains persistent in spite of all medicaments, and the numbers in the
tables indicate those cases conspicuous by their continuance under the
use of the bromides. Those attacked by the follicular rash are seen at
first to be about 16 per cent., but gradually diminishing in number as
the treatment becomes chronic, and finally disappearing altogether.
In addition to the points referred to in the tables, other questions
have been investigated, although on a smaller scale. For example, in
persons who have been under the influence of the bromides for many
years, the skin and tendon reflex action remain intact, and I have never
seen a case in which the knee-jerk or plantar phenomena were absent. In
only one case was the general sensibility of the skin perceptibly
diminished. With regard to the effects on the sexual powers, I have not
sufficient data upon which to found positive rules. This statement,
however, may be made, that the prolonged use of even large doses of this
drug does not of necessity abolish or even sensibly impair this
function, although, no doubt, it usually does so. On examining the
respiration and pulse, I have never been able to detect any
characteristic abnormality.
I might record many cases in detail to prove the seemingly innocuous
nature of even large and long-continued doses of the bromides in
epilepsy. I shall, however, as an illustration, limit myself to a few
notes on the four cases which compose Table VI., all of whom were
continuously under the influence of the drugs for a period of not less
than six years.
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