On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in Females — John Shaqi
On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in FemalesBrown, Isaac Baker
Science
On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in Females
Brown, Isaac Baker
Clitoridectomy
“Dear Sir,—It would be very unkind in me, and much out of place, to
hide from you and the world at large what have been my feelings during
the past three weeks. My daughter, C. T., came to your Home, Stanley
Terrace, Notting Hill, on the 23rd of June last, to be treated by you
for epilepsy, or epileptic fits, having been afflicted for three years
and a half. The class of fit you may better judge of than myself;
sufficient to say, they were very bad and very frequent. I am happy to
say, and acquaint you, that since her return she has not had a single
symptom of fit or hysteria of any kind. Her general health is also
very good, and fast improving, and I do hope, by the blessing of God,
she may continue so. If you have any desire to see her, I shall feel
in duty bound to let her wait upon you, with her mother, at any time
you may think fit to appoint, as your opinion just at this time might
have a still more happy effect for the future. You are quite at
liberty to use this for the benefit of the Institution in whatever way
you may like or seem good.”
A twelvemonth later, this patient was still free from any return of
the fits.
CASE XXXIX. EPILEPSY, WITH DEMENTIA—ONE YEAR’S DURATION—OPERATION—CURE.
A. H., æt. 17; admitted into the London Surgical Home June 28, 1864.
_History._—Catamenia first appeared three years ago. They have
continued regular to the present time. About twelve months since was
observed, whenever sent on an errand from home, that she would wander
about in an absent manner, and return home having forgotten all about
any message which had been given her. About this time fits were first
developed; they increased in frequency and intensity, and she now has
them daily, and one or more of less violent character nearly every
night in her sleep. When seized, she falls, struggles violently, foams
at the mouth, often bites her tongue, and is totally unconscious to
all around her. After a fit, she sinks into a deep sleep, which lasts
for two hours. Has no recollection on awaking of what has taken place.
Acknowledges to frequent injurious habits, but is unconscious of their
being the cause of her illness. Is vague in all her ideas and
conversation, and has almost entirely lost her memory.
Both history and personal examination plainly showed what was the
cause of her attacks.
On July 7 the clitoris was completely excised. She had no return of
the fits; and on the 23rd the following report appears in the
case-book:—“Left her bed to-day. Is greatly changed; quite rational in
all her movements; converses freely and quietly, remembers passing
events from day to day, and it is indeed almost impossible to
recognize in her the half-idiotic, almost demented girl who entered
the Home less than a month ago.”
She remained in the Home some time longer for observation. Fits never
returned; her mind improved daily, and she was discharged as perfectly
cured.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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