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
It will be recollected how, at the end of the chapter on Hysteria, I
gave three cases of extreme nervous irritability, with sleeplessness,
and tendency to an unhinging of the mental equilibrium. We now come to
insanity itself. It would be vain to talk of the varieties of forms in
which this state may be seen, when produced by abnormal peripheral
irritation of the pudic nerve. It is, however, worthy of notice how each
history seems to tell its own explanation of the cause; and after the
first few days of treatment, when excitement, caused by irritation from
the wound and a natural repugnance to restraint, has passed off, how
rapid is the improvement, and how permanent is the result. I have no
hesitation in saying that in no case am I so certain of a permanent cure
as in acute nympho-mania; for I have never after my treatment seen a
recurrence of the disease, whereas, under medical treatment, of how
short duration is but too frequently the benefit.
CASE XLIII. INCIPIENT SUICIDAL MANIA—MANY YEARS’ GRADUAL
ILLNESS—OPERATION—CURE.
R. T., æt. 39, single; admitted into the London Surgical Home Oct. 22,
1861.
_History._—Has been ailing for many years, and given great trouble and
anxiety to her friends. For some time past she has been very strange
in her manner, very restless, never quiet, constantly wakeful,
threatening suicide, talking to people, even perfect strangers, of her
ailments and their causes, of which she is fully conscious. Was
formerly modest and quiet.
_On examination_, she is a fine woman, of restless appearance and
manner; eye wandering and unsteady; pupil dilated. The cause of her
mental derangement being obvious, on
Oct. 24 the usual operation was performed.
The improvement in her mental and bodily health was wonderful: she
gained flesh, and became cheerful and modest. She was discharged six
weeks after admission.
When heard of in February, 1863, this patient continued quite well.
The first case of actual insanity that came under my care was a patient
of Dr. Warren Diamond, then resident in his private asylum. I cannot do
better than transcribe the account which he sent me with the following
note:—
“Effra Hall, Brixton, S.
“DEAR SIR,—A month having elapsed since you gave up your patient, I
forward some particulars of the case, and shall be glad to answer more
fully any special time or state you would like to know more about. You
will, perhaps, be able to pick something out of this rambling account
that may be interesting to you. Hoping you will excuse omissions, &c.
“Believe me, yours faithfully,
“WARREN H. DIAMOND.”
“I. Baker Brown, Esq.”
CASE XLIV. SEVERAL YEARS’ ILLNESS—TWO MONTHS’ INSANITY—OPERATION—CURE.
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