A most striking condition of sexual neurosis is not uncommonly
observed, that is not confined strictly to a locality, but shows a
general breaking down of the conductors of nerve-force, both motor and
sensory, as well as the nerve-cells, with a tendency to softening of
both brain and spinal cord.
_Case._――A marked case of impaired conductivity is now under my
observation. The patient is a masturbator, and I have thus far failed
to disrupt the vice.
In addition to many symptoms, not of general interest, is the impaired
condition of the sensory conductors. When he is touched, it is a
second before he feels. He sees the finger placed upon his hand or
foot, but does not feel it for one or two seconds: sometimes it is
quicker than at other times. When he is spoken to, he does not receive
the idea for ten or fifteen seconds after he has heard the sound. He
comprehends that such is the condition. He says he does not desire to
practice self-pollution, but simply performs the act because he can’t
help it. He is sensible and strong-minded on some things, and very
feeble on others. He is agoraphobic, but has no pathophobia. He is not
anthropophobic, but even foolish after female society, and still has
no inclination to copulate. He prefers to masturbate, rather than to
accept of coition when accessible.
The motor nerves and centers are rarely, but sometimes, involved
directly. When paralysis does occur, it is from advanced complications
and need not be mentioned here; but sometimes an unnatural class of
movements is produced by this variety of neurosis, generally of a
spasmodic character and located in the involuntary sphere. I wish only
to record, in this place, the fact that such is a lesion of sexual
neurosis, and take it up elsewhere with greater precision.
Tabes dorsalis has not been uncommonly caused by sexual abuse, in
proportion to the frequency of the disease. Loss of sensibility is also
exceedingly rare, but impairment is not uncommon. The loss of venereal
sensation is a very common consequence and will be spoken of elsewhere.
Paralysis of some of the muscles of the genitals and bladder is of
frequent occurrence, especially those connected with urination; the
bladder is often paretic and micturition is frequent, and the quantity
very small: often the natural warning as to time is wanting. The
mental symptoms are often very prominent: loss of memory; conversation
difficult; language incoherent and ideation very imperfect; insanity,
idiocy, imbecility and epilepsy.
Hitzig says, under _Etiology of Paralysis of the Insane_, “Probably
the combination of excessive labor with excesses _in Baccho et Venere_
is the most common cause. The influence of sexual excesses can be
recognized in females also.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account