Neurosyphilis : $b Modern systematic diagnosis and treatment presented in one hundred and thirty-seven case historiesSouthard, Elmer Ernest
Science
Neurosyphilis : $b Modern systematic diagnosis and treatment presented in one hundred and thirty-seven case histories
Southard, Elmer Ernest
Neurosyphilis
2. What was the relation of trauma to the development of the
neurosyphilitic symptoms? It is, of course, the rule in all forms
of mental disease to have some factor offered by the patient or
relatives as the cause of the psychosis. Often these assigned
causes are minor events thought of only after the later appearance
of symptoms. In this case it was not thought that the trauma had
any causal effect. For a discussion of trauma and neurosyphilis
see cases Joseph O’Hearn (90), Levi Sussman (91), and Joseph
Larkin (92).
=NEUROSYPHILIS, probably PARETIC, with symptoms highly suggestive of
MANIC-DEPRESSIVE PSYCHOSIS.=
=Case 52.= Bessie Vogel[10] was admitted to the Psychopathic hospital
New Year’s day, 1915, in a very much excited condition. The family
history is very meagre, and all that is of significance is that mother
has always been very “nervous.” The records in part:
=Past History.= Very healthy as a child, and except for occasional
throat trouble and headache had no physical ailments until eight years
ago, when she had an operation for appendicitis, and two and one-half
years ago was operated upon for hernia and adhesions. Following this she
began to show a lack of energy, neglected her housework, was much
depressed, wept frequently, complained constantly of pain in various
places, and was ill-tempered. In about five months she improved, and
then after a couple of weeks at the shore seemed entirely well.
=Present Illness.= In November, 1914, that is, about seventeen months
after the recovery from the previous depression, she again began to show
practically the same symptoms. She was depressed, could not sleep, and
would get up in the night and sew; was self-centered and hypersensitive,
then became restless and nervous; wanted to go shopping and out for
dinner; went to New York and then to New Bedford. Symptoms became more
marked; she became very ill-tempered, threatened her husband when angry
over trifles, threatened suicide, then began to get active and spent
money extravagantly. At the end of two months, that is, Jan. 1, 1915,
she was admitted to the hospital.
=Physical Examination.= A small, thin woman, appearing to be about 45
years old (actual age 37). Aside from the absence of teeth and the
operation scars, the general examination is negative. =Neuromuscular
system=: The pupils are round, regular, equal, and react to light and
accommodation, but do not hold very well. Extraocular movements well
performed, no palsies of facial muscles, tongue protruded medially
without tremor. Uvula is raised symmetrically. Biceps and triceps and
supinator reflexes are present and brisk. Patellar and Achilles reflexes
are equal on the two sides and brisk. Abdominal skin reflexes not
obtained. Plantar reflex active and flexor in type. No Babinski, Gordon,
or Oppenheim. No tremors.
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