The Surgery of the Skull and BrainRawling, Louis Bathe
Science
The Surgery of the Skull and Brain
Rawling, Louis Bathe
Brain -- Surgery; Skull -- Surgery
‘I should anticipate from cortical irritation bilateral pupillary
dilatation, perhaps more marked on the opposite side: from pressure
the opposite effects, so far as mere cortical paralysis goes, but this
would be more liable to be vitiated by vascular changes--the complex
condition seen in coma. It is very difficult to elicit pupillary
constriction by cortical stimuli--very easy to elicit dilatation, but
always bilateral though often more marked on the opposite side.’
In cases examined by me the following conditions were found:--
Pupils equal 46 per cent. of cases
Pupils constricted on the affected side 36 per cent. of cases
Pupils dilated on the affected side 18 per cent. of cases
From my experience, therefore, and from that of the authorities quoted
above, it would appear that alterations in the size of the pupil are of
very doubtful significance in the diagnosis of middle meningeal
hæmorrhage, and that the ‘Hutchinson pupil’ is but rarely observed.
The results obtained by ophthalmoscopic examination are of much greater
value. Such investigations should be carried out as a routine procedure.
In the earlier stages of the hæmorrhage some œdema of the disk, together
with dilatation of retinal veins and diminution in the calibre of the
arteries, will be observed on the affected side. This affords a most
valuable aid in the differential diagnosis as to the side on which the
hæmorrhage is situated--not always such a simple matter as appears at
first sight.
=Treatment.= Operation is indicated in all cases of middle meningeal
hæmorrhage if the condition of the patient be compatible with such
treatment. The earlier the operation is carried out the better.
=Operation.= _For Hæmorrhage from the anterior branch._ After the usual
preparatory treatment, the ‘site of election’ for trephining is marked
out on the scalp by taking a point which lies 2 inches posterior to the
external angular frontal process, and the same distance above the
zygoma. A bradawl may be introduced so as to indent the external table
of the skull, thus aiding the subsequent accurate application of the
trephine.
[Illustration: FIG. 52A. EXPOSURE OF THE BRANCHES OF THE MIDDLE
MENINGEAL ARTERY. _First stage._ Suitable scalp-flaps have been turned
down, and the skull has been trephined over the ‘sites of election’ for
exposure of both anterior and posterior branches.]
[Illustration: FIG. 52B. EXPOSURE OF THE BRANCHES OF THE MIDDLE
MENINGEAL ARTERY. _Second stage._ The trephine-holes have been enlarged
with the craniectomy forceps in the required directions.]
The incision commences immediately posterior to the external angular
frontal process, curves upwards and backwards along the temporal crest,
and terminates in front of the tragus of the ear. The flap, comprising
skin, temporal fascia and muscle, and pericranium, is turned to its
zygomatic base and all bleeding-points secured.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account