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
3. Would positive globulin and excess albumin in the spinal fluid
alone or in association with a positive serum W. R. warrant the
diagnosis _general paresis_ or _neurosyphilis_? The chances are
that most neurologists would advocate proceeding to treatment in
any case of positive serum reaction, whether or not there was
globulin or excess albumin; but the positive globulin and excess
albumin would probably not warrant the diagnosis _general paresis_
or _neurosyphilis_ in the absence of excess cells and the
characteristic gold sol reaction and W. R. in the fluid.
4. Is the case of Francis Murphy one of alcoholic epilepsy (as
suggested by Murphy’s own phrase, “rum fits”)? It must be
remembered that epileptics become alcoholic and that epileptic
convulsions increase or become more severe with alcoholism. On the
other hand, the literature indicates that alcoholism can produce
convulsions, as can many other factors. The literature also
indicates that there is a condition of epilepsy in which the
convulsive tendency sets in as a result of alcoholism in a patient
not previously disposed to epilepsy; it appears also that
sometimes, though very rarely, the epilepsy continues after
withdrawal of alcohol, and even after giving up the habit. Francis
Murphy appears to have had but two spells of convulsions, both of
them following heavy bouts with alcohol. There is so far, then, no
warrant for calling Francis Murphy’s case one of alcoholic
epilepsy.
5. Does the use of alcohol by a subject destroy the value of the
W.R.? It has been held by some that alcoholism interferes with the
accuracy of the W. R. This has not been our experience and for the
present we are of opinion that the results have the same value in
alcoholics as in non-alcoholics. The next case (Collins, 61) is
one in which a positive W. R. occurred in an alcoholic. When
dealing with paretic neurosyphilis it is especially true that the
W. R. is disturbed very rarely, if at all, by toxins or drugs,
except antisyphilitic drugs.
=Alcoholism may cloud the diagnosis of NEUROSYPHILIS.
Differentiation by laboratory tests.=
=Case 61.= David Collins was a steamfitter of about 43 years of age,
picked up at 6.45 a.m. in the midst of convulsions and talking
incoherently, in a state apparently of fairly clear consciousness. On
arrival at the hospital, the patient was able to tell how he had always
been a hard drinker, and how during the past week of unemployment he had
taken large quantities of poor whiskey,—perhaps an average of a pint a
day. Collins also told how he had had delirium tremens several times,
but he said the present spell was quite unlike delirium tremens. There
was no disorientation or impairment of memory, and the patient did not
in any wise suggest a mental case a few hours after admission.
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