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Treatment of Epilepsy, by Alexander Hughes Bennett
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Title: A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy
Author: Alexander Hughes Bennett
Release Date: June 20, 2011 [EBook #36474]
Language: English
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A STATISTICAL INQUIRY
INTO
THE NATURE AND TREATMENT
OF
EPILEPSY
BY
A. HUGHES BENNETT, M.D.,
PHYSICIAN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EPILEPSY AND PARALYSIS, AND
ASSISTANT PHYSICIAN TO THE WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL.
LONDON
H. K. LEWIS, 136, GOWER STREET, W.C.
1884.
These three papers have already appeared in the Medical Journals, at
different dates, during the past few years. They are now republished
together, so as to form a connected inquiry. Since the production of the
first and second of them, increased experience has greatly augmented the
clinical material which might have been utilised in their investigation:
but, as the essential facts have only thus been confirmed, and the
general conclusions arrived at have remained the same, it has been
thought best, with the exception of certain verbal alterations, to
preserve the text of the articles as they originally appeared.
A. H. B.
38, QUEEN ANNE STREET, W.
_May, 1884_
CONTENTS.
I.--AN INQUIRY INTO THE ETIOLOGY AND SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF EPILEPSY.
II.--AN INQUIRY INTO THE ACTION OF THE BROMIDES ON EPILEPTIC ATTACKS.
III.--AN INQUIRY INTO THE EFFECTS OF THE PROLONGED ADMINISTRATION OF
THE BROMIDES IN EPILEPSY.
I.
AN ENQUIRY
INTO THE
ETIOLOGY AND SYMPTOMATOLOGY
OF EPILEPSY.[A]
The science of medicine is to be advanced by the careful collection of
well-recorded facts, rather than by general statements or unsupported
assertions. No inquiry thus conducted with scientific precision can fail
to be without value, and to add a mite to that store of positive
knowledge from which must emanate all hopes of progress for the healing
art. Our acquaintance with the nature of epilepsy is as yet in its
infancy, and although much valuable practical information has been put
on record regarding this disease, it is believed that the following
contribution may not be useless in either confirming or questioning
previous conclusions.
The clinical aspects of epilepsy are especially difficult to investigate
with exactitude. The physician, as a rule, is not himself a witness to
the chief phenomena characteristic of the disease. He is therefore
compelled, in most cases, to trust to the statements of the patient and
his friends for their description, and even when the cross-examination
is conducted with the greatest care, there are many points impossible to
ascertain with certainty. In the following cases of epilepsy, which have
been under my own care, those only are included in which loss of
consciousness formed the chief feature of the attack; and in the
succeeding particulars, attention will be specially directed to etiology
and symptomatology.
ETIOLOGY.
This may conveniently be discussed under (1) Predisposing causes, and
(2) Exciting causes.
1.--PREDISPOSING CAUSES.
_Sex and Sexual Conditions._--In one hundred unselected cases of
epilepsy there were--
Males, 47 per cent.
Females, 53 per cent.
showing that practically the sexes were affected in equal proportions.
Of the females there were--
Unmarried, 58.5 per cent.
Married, 41.5 per cent.
The greater number amongst the unmarried females is probably due to the
list including children, and also to the fact that epilepsy is not an
attraction to a man who purposes matrimony. Of the married females--
The attacks were uninfluenced by marriage in 68.1 per cent.
The attacks were diminished after marriage in 27.2 per cent.
The attacks were increased after marriage in 4.5 per cent.
Thus, in the majority of cases, marriage seems to have no influence on
the epileptic attacks of women, although in 27.2 per cent. the fits
appear to have been diminished after that ceremony.
Of the married females there were--
Children in 82.3 per cent.
No children in 17.6 per cent.
_Age._--In one hundred cases the age at which the first attack of
epilepsy took place will be seen from the following tables:--
Males. Females. Total.
From 1 to 10 years 9 14 23
From 10 to 20 years 11 23 34
From 20 to 30 years 14 9 23
From 30 to 40 years 10 6 16
From 40 to 50 years 1 0 1
From 50 to 60 years 2 1 3
It will thus be seen that, in males, the most prevalent period for the
first invasion of epilepsy is from the tenth to the thirtieth year; in
females, from the first to the twentieth year. In both sexes the disease
rarely commences after forty. The following table shows the ages of the
patients under observation:--
Males. Females. Total.
From 1 to 10 years 4 1 5
From 0 to 20 years 10 20 30
From 20 to 30 years 17 15 32
From 30 to 40 years 11 9 20
From 40 to 50 years 2 6 8
From 50 to 60 years 3 2 5
This indicates that cases of epilepsy comparatively rarely come under
observation after the age of forty. A large series of cases would
however be required to determine any definite conclusions as to the
mortality and longevity of the patients.
_Occupation and Profession._--These do not appear to have any special
relation to the production of epilepsy.
_Hereditary Tendency._--In each of the cases under observation a very
careful inquiry was made into the family history. This was confined to
the parents, grand parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and
children of the patient. The following are the results:--
No family history of epilepsy, insanity, nervous or other hereditary
disorders in 59 per cent.
One or more members of family affected with one or more of the above
disorders in 41 per cent.
Of these last, in which there was a tainted hereditary history, one or
more members of the family suffered from--
Epilepsy in 63.4 per cent.
Insanity in 12.1 per cent.
Phthisis in 12.1 per cent.
Asthma in 2.4 per cent.
Apoplexy in 2.4 per cent.
Hysteria in 2.4 per cent.
Hemiplegia in 2.4 per cent.
Spinal complaint in 2.4 per cent.
Concerning the above table, it is to be remarked that frequently the
patient had several relatives suffering from different diseases; for
example, one with epilepsy, a second with insanity, and so on. In such a
case these have been classified under epilepsy, and, if this did not
exist, under insanity, or other afflictions in the above order.
Of those cases in which epilepsy was present in the family of the
patient, it existed in the following members:--
Father in 11.5 per cent.
Mother in 7.6 per cent.
Father, mother, and brother in 3.8 per cent.
Mother and child in 3.8 per cent.
Grandmother, mother, and two sisters in 3.8 per cent.
Mother and sister in 3.8 per cent.
Grandfather in 7.6 per cent.
Grandmother in 3.8 per cent.
Brother in 11.5 per cent.
Sister in 11.5 per cent.
Two brothers in 3.8 per cent.
Sister and child in 7.6 per cent.
Brother and uncle in 3.8 per cent.
Two uncles in 3.8 per cent.
Uncle in 3.8 per cent.
Aunt in 3.8 per cent.
Child in 3.8 per cent.
From these figures it will be seen that in no less than 41 per cent. of
the total number of cases there was a distinct family history of
hereditary disease. Of these no less than 87.5 per cent. were affections
of the nervous system, and 12.1 per cent. of phthisis. Of the former
63.4 per cent. had relatives afflicted with epilepsy, and 12.1 per cent.
with insanity. Epilepsy, according to these figures is eminently a
hereditary disease, and it is possible even to a greater extent than is
here represented; for the family history is often very difficult to
arrive at, in the class of persons on whom most of these observations
were made, who, either from ignorance or from prejudice, display a great
want of knowledge concerning the health of their ancestors.
_General health prior to the first attack._--As far as could be
ascertained this was--
Unimpaired in 90 per cent.
Delicate in 10 per cent.
By the term delicate is understood any chronic derangement of health.
The figures serve to indicate that, in the large majority of cases
epilepsy has no necessary connection with the impaired general health of
the patient.
_Special illnesses prior to the first attack._--There were--
No antecedent diseases in 78 per cent.
Antecedent diseases in 32 per cent.
Of these persons who, prior to the first attack of epilepsy, had
suffered from illnesses, the details are as follows:--
Convulsions at dentition in 43.7 per cent.
Rheumatic fever in 12.5 per cent.
Chorea in 6.2 per cent.
Mental derangement in 6.2 per cent.
Constant headache in 6.2 per cent.
Suppurating glands in 3.1 per cent.
Brain fever (?) in 3.1 per cent.
Small-pox in 3.1 per cent.
Typhus fever in 3.1 per cent.
Spinal curvature in 3.1 per cent.
Somnambulism in 3.1 per cent.
Scarlatina in 3.1 per cent.
The only special feature of this table is the fact that, of the cases of
epilepsy under observation, convulsions at dentition were positively
ascertained in 15 per cent. of the total number of cases, and in 43.7
per cent. of those having suffered from former illnesses. Here also the
percentage is probably in reality greater, as it is obvious that many of
the patients were ignorant as to whether or not these symptoms existed.
There is no evidence that any of the other illnesses had any relation to
the epilepsy.
_Temperance and Intemperance._--On this head nothing definite could be
ascertained. The patients either do not tell the truth, or have very
elastic notions as to moderation in the use of alcoholic stimuli.
2.--EXCITING CAUSES.
To ascertain the exciting causes of epileptic seizures with exactitude
is usually a matter of very great difficulty. It is simple enough when
the results directly follow the cause; but this is not commonly the
case. If, for example, a man, after a blow on the head (having been
previously in good health) becomes suddenly seized with epileptic
attacks within a few hours or days of the accident, we may fairly assume
that the injury has originated or developed his illness. But should the
seizure not supervene for some months or years afterwards, the external
wound having in the meantime completely recovered, there remains on this
question a considerable element of doubt. In the same way a patient
often attributes the attacks to a fright which may have occurred weeks
or months before they began; yet great care should be taken in accepting
such a statement: on the other hand, it should not be utterly ignored.
Again, if a person develops epilepsy after severe and prolonged domestic
trouble or affliction, how are we accurately to determine the relation
between the two? These difficulties render an exact method of
ascertaining the exciting causes almost impossible, and this can only be
approximated by a careful consideration of the entire history and
circumstances of the case. Taking these into consideration, the
following statements have been drawn up, in which only those conditions
are recorded, where from a review of the whole case a reasonable
relation was found to exist between cause and effect.
In a hundred unselected cases of epilepsy there were--
No apparent exciting cause in 43 per cent.
Possible exciting cause in 57 per cent.
Of the cases where a possible exciting cause was present, the following
is an analysis:--
Blow or injury to head in 28.1 per cent.
Uterine disorder in 22.8 per cent.
Domestic trouble in 15.7 per cent.
Disease of the nervous system in 8.7 per cent.
Fright in 5.2 per cent.
Depression in 5.2 per cent.
Pregnancy in 5.2 per cent.
Mental strain in 3.5 per cent.
Sunstroke in 3.5 per cent.
Emotion in 1.7 per cent.
Thus, in no fewer than 16 per cent. of the total number of cases, and
28.1 of those in which a possible exciting cause was present, did
epileptic seizures follow injuries to the head. Of the cases recorded
under uterine disorders, it must be stated that these conditions were as
much the accompaniments as the cause of epilepsy, the relations between
the two being as follows:--
Attacks occurring at menstrual periods in 61.5 per cent.
Attacks associated with irregular menstruation in 30.7 per cent.
Attacks associated with uterine disease in 7.6 per cent.
An attempt was made in twenty-two cases to ascertain whether, in women,
the age at which the epileptic attacks began had any relation to the
period at which the catamenia commenced, with the following results:--
Average age at which attacks began 14.6 years
Average age at which catamenia began 14.6 years
This shows singularly enough exactly the same figures, and serves to
point out, that in women, the earliest manifestation of puberty is a
decided exciting cause for epileptic attacks. It must however be stated
that, in the female epileptics, the attacks commenced before the age of
puberty in 16.9 per cent. of their numbers. Of the 8.7 per cent. of
cases included under the term "diseases of the nervous system," the
epilepsy was associated with hemiplegia in all.
SYMPTOMATOLOGY.
In a hundred unselected cases of epilepsy there were--
Epilepsia gravior in 62 per cent.
Epilepsia mitior in 10 per cent.
Epilepsia gravior and mitior in 28 per cent.
1.--EPILEPSIA GRAVIOR.
_Premonitory Symptoms._--In the cases in which epilepsia gravior was
present there were--
No premonitory symptoms in 34.4 per cent.
Premonitory symptoms in 65.5 per cent.
Of those cases in which there were symptoms premonitory to the attack,
there were--
General premonitory symptoms in 47.4 per cent.
Special Auræ in 72.8 per cent.
By _general premonitory_ symptoms are understood those morbid conditions
lasting for some hours or days before each attack, and of the cases
under consideration in which these were present, the following is an
analysis:--
Prolonged vertigo in 46.4 per cent.
Headache in 21.4 per cent.
Nervousness in 14.2 per cent.
Drowsiness in 3.5 per cent.
Faintness in 3.5 per cent.
Depression of spirits in 3.5 per cent.
Cramps in 3.5 per cent.
Numbness of extremities in 3.5 per cent.
Of the cases in which a _special aura_ preceded the attack, the details
are as follows (the special symptom in each case being sudden):--
Loss of sight in 2.3 per cent.
Loss of speech in 13.9 per cent.
Loss of hearing in 2.3 per cent.
General tremor in 16.2 per cent.
Tremor of one foot in 2.3 per cent.
Sensation in epigastrium in 6.9 per cent.
Sensation in abdomen in 4.6 per cent.
Sensation in throat in 6.9 per cent.
Sensation in left side in 2.3 per cent.
Sensation in both hands in 2.3 per cent.
Sensation in one hand in 2.3 per cent.
Violent pain in head in 2.3 per cent.
Pain in one foot in 2.3 per cent.
Sparkling sensation in eyes in 6.9 per cent.
Pumping sensation in head in 4.6 per cent.
Noises in ears in 4.6 per cent.
Diplopia in 2.3 per cent.
Contraction of one leg in 2.3 per cent.
Rotation of head in 2.3 per cent.
Distortion of face in 2.3 per cent.
Twitching of thumb in 2.3 per cent.
Spasm of eye-balls in 2.3 per cent.
Disagreeable smell in 2.3 per cent.
From these figures we find that in 34.4 per cent. of the cases of
epilepsia gravior there are no special symptoms announcing the seizure,
which takes place without warning of any kind; and it is especially in
such cases that patients in falling, seriously injure themselves. In
65.5 per cent. there are premonitory symptoms of some kind, which
indicate often many hours before the approach of an attack. Of these
last 47.4 per cent. are of a general character, and in no less than 72.8
per cent. is there a distinct special aura, which in 25.4 per cent.
alone precede the attack, the remainder being associated with the
general premonitory symptoms.
_Symptoms of the Attack._--In the cases of epilepsia gravior there were
complete loss of consciousness with convulsions, lasting from five to
ten minutes, and occurring at intervals, leaving no question as to the
true nature of the disease, and all doubtful examples have been excluded
from this collection. Attempts were made to form an analysis of the
different symptoms constituting the paroxysm, but with indifferent
success, and these are not here reproduced, because they are not
sufficiently accurate for scientific purposes. The patient himself can
give no account of what takes place. The friends around do not look upon
the phenomena of the attack with the critical and philosophic eye of the
physician; hence any information from them as to the part convulsed, the
colour of the skin, the duration of the seizure, and so on, is extremely
vague and untrustworthy. The number of cases personally observed
actually during attacks is too limited to warrant any generalizations.
There is, however, one important point which can be accurately
demonstrated--namely, whether or not the tongue is bitten, and in the
cases under observation
The tongue was bitten in 68.8 per cent.
The tongue was not bitten in 31.2 per cent.
_Frequency of Attacks._--Only a general average of the number of attacks
can be made; and in the present series the following gives an idea of
the frequency of seizures in different individuals.
Average of one or more attacks per day in 8.8 per cent.
Average of one or more attacks per week in 31.1 per cent.
Average of one or more attacks per month in 32.2 per cent.
Average of one or more attacks per year in 15.5 per cent.
At longer or more irregular intervals in 12.2 per cent.
This roughly indicates that, in the majority of cases, attacks of
epilepsia gravior occur one or more times weekly or monthly. Under the
last series, of attacks taking place at longer and more irregular
intervals than a year, are included those cases where a few only have
occurred during the lifetime of the patients.
_Regularity of Attacks._--Many epileptics are attacked at regular
intervals, sometimes on the same day or even hour; while others are
afflicted at any time, day or night. The following indicate the
proportion:--
Attacks occur at regular intervals in 21.1 per cent.
Attacks occur at irregular intervals in 78.8 per cent.
_Time of Attack._--The following particulars alone could be definitely
ascertained:--
Attacks only during sleep in 8.8 per cent.
Attacks only during day while awake in 8.8 per cent.
Attacks only during early morning in 15.5 per cent.
Attacks at no particular time in 55.4 per cent.
The chief feature of this observation is that in 15.5 per cent. of cases
of E. Gravior the attacks always took place immediately after the
patients had wakened in the morning, and this is probably due to the
sudden alteration of the cerebral circulation from the sleeping to the
wakeful state.
_Symptoms immediately after the Attack._--The moment the attack is over
sometimes the patient is in his usual condition, and feels no ill
effects from the paroxysm. More commonly, however, he suffers from
various symptoms, the chief of which, and their relative frequency, is
as follows:--
Return to usual condition in 12.2 per cent.
Drowsy in 66.6 per cent.
Confused in 14.4 per cent.
Stupid in 13.3 per cent.
Irritable in 14.4 per cent.
Excitable in 3.3 per cent.
Vertigo in 13.3 per cent.
Headache in 41.1 per cent.
The above conditions may last from an hour to several days.
_Present condition, or state between the Attacks._--It is impossible to
enter minutely into the actual physical and mental health of all the
epileptic cases under notice, but the following statement gives a
sketch of some of the more important conditions associated with the
disease, and the frequency with which they occur. In the
inter-paroxysmal state the condition of the patients were--
Healthy in every respect in 17.7 per cent.
With some abnormal peculiarity in 82.2 per cent.
General health good in 75.5 per cent.
General health impaired in 24.4 per cent.
Robust in 66.6 per cent.
Not robust in 33.3 per cent.
Intelligence intact in 74.4 per cent.
Intelligence impaired in 25.5 per cent.
Loss of memory in 58.8 per cent.
No loss of memory in 41.1 per cent.
Stupid in 16.6 per cent.
Dull in 31.1 per cent.
Irritable in 25.4 per cent.
Frequent headaches in 41.1 per cent.
Frequent vertigo in 22.2 per cent.
Nervous in 21.1 per cent.
Special diseases in 21.1 per cent.
Of the 21.1 per cent. under the heading of special diseases, there
were--
Hemiplegia in 6.6 per cent.
Paralysis of seventh nerve in 1.1 per cent.
Impediment of speech in 1.1 per cent.
Cicatrix over sciatic nerve in 1.1 per cent.
Idiot in 1.1 per cent.
Anæmia in 5.5 per cent.
Phthisis in 2.2 per cent.
Confirmed dyspepsia in 1.1 per cent.
From these details it is evident that epilepsy is not of necessity
associated with impairment of the physical or mental health. On the
contrary, we find that in 17.7 per cent. of the patients there was
apparently no flaw of any kind in their constitutions, which were
absolutely normal, with the exception of the periodic seizures. In no
less than 75.5 per cent. was the general health good, and in 66.6 per
cent. the patients were robust and vigorous. At the same time the
health was markedly impaired in 24.4 per cent., and the sufferers were
of delicate or weak habit in 33.3 per cent. The main fact, however, to
be observed is that, in the majority of cases of epilepsy, the general
health and vigour of the patient is not deteriorated. In the same way,
the intellectual capacities are not of necessity affected. In 74.4 per
cent. the intelligence is recorded as not seriously impaired; and in
41.1 per cent. the memory as good. On the other hand, the mental
faculties were markedly deficient in 25.5 per cent.; the patients were
dull and slow in 31.1 per cent.; and in more than half, or 58.8 per
cent., was there evidence of loss of memory. Another frequent symptom is
repeated and constant headache, which, in the present series of cases,
existed in 41.1 per cent.
2.--EPILEPSIA MITIOR.
This occurred altogether in 38 per cent. of the total number of cases.
In these it occurred--
By itself in 26.3 per cent.
Associated with E. Gravior in 73.6 per cent.
In all, the usual characteristics of the _petit mal_ presented
themselves; there being temporary loss of consciousness, sometimes with
slight spasms, but without true convulsion, biting of the tongue, &c.
_Frequency of Attacks._--The rough average frequency of attacks, as
estimated in the cases under consideration, was as follows:--
20 to 30 attacks per day in 3.7 per cent.
10 to 20 attacks per day in 7.4 per cent.
5 to 10 attacks per day in 14.8 per cent.
1 to 5 attacks per day in 40.7 per cent.
1 or more attacks per week in 22.2 per cent.
1 or more attacks per month in 7.4 per cent.
At rarer intervals in 3.7 per cent.
Thus when epilepsia mitior exists, in the majority of cases the attacks
are of daily occurrence.
_Loss of consciousness_, as ascertained in a series of cases, was
Complete in 48.3 per cent.
Partial in 51.6 per cent.
_Premonitory Symptoms._--These are not, as a rule, so well marked in
epilepsia mitior as in E. Gravior; but frequently the aura is quite as
distinctly appreciated. In the 28 per cent. of cases in which E. Mitior
is associated with E. Gravior, the aura was apparently the same in both.
Of the 10 per cent. cases of E. Mitior occurring by itself, the
following is the record:--
No aura in 20 per cent.
Sensation in epigastrium in 20 per cent.
Loss of speech in 10 per cent.
Violent pain in head in 10 per cent.
Tingling of extremities in 10 per cent.
Choking sensation in 10 per cent.
Hallucination in 10 per cent.
Vertigo in 10 per cent.
The number of cases in E. Mitior is too limited to warrant further
generalization.
FOOTNOTES:
[A] Reprinted from the "British Medical Journal" of March 15 & 22, 1879.
II.
AN INQUIRY
INTO THE
ACTION OF THE BROMIDES ON
EPILEPTIC ATTACKS.[B]
Bromide of potassium is generally recognised as the most effective
anti-epileptic remedy we at present possess. There exists, however,
great difference of opinion as to its method of administration and to
the amount of benefit which we may expect from its use. Some physicians
who employ the drug after one method come to totally different
conclusions as to its efficacy from those who use another. Many believe
the remedy to be only useful in certain forms of the disease, and to be
very uncertain and imperfect in its action. Others, again, maintain that
it is positively injurious to the general health of the patient. These
and other unsettled points the following inquiry attempts to make clear.
Epilepsy, like all other chronic diseases, presents great difficulties
in scientifically estimating the exact value of any particular remedy;
and unless the investigation of the subject is approached with the
strictest impartiality, and observations made with rigid accuracy, we
are liable to fall into the most misleading fallacies. I believe that
these are to be avoided, and facts arrived at, however laborious it may
be to the experimenter and wearisome to the student, only by the careful
observation and elaborate record of an extensive series of cases. If, in
epilepsy, the disease, from its prolonged duration, its doubtful
causation and pathology, its serious complications and the many other
mysterious circumstances connected with it, offers almost unsurmountable
difficulties to any definite and uniform method of treatment and the
systematic estimation of the same, its symptoms furnish us with
tolerably accurate data upon which to base our observations. The
attacks, although only symptoms, may be practically considered as
representing the disease, as in the large majority of cases, in
proportion as these are frequent and severe, so much the more serious is
the affection. The influence of the bromides on these paroxysms is taken
in the following inquiry to represent the action of these drugs on the
epileptic state.
Before proceeding to detail the facts arrived at, it is necessary
briefly to state the method of procedure adopted in treatment. Each case
in succession, and without selection, which was pronounced to be
epilepsy (all doubtful cases being eliminated), was considered as a
subject suitable for experiment. The general circumstances of the
individual were studied; his diet, hygienic surroundings, habits, and so
on, if faulty, were, when practicable, improved. The bromides were then
ordered, and taken without intermission for periods which will
subsequently be detailed. The minimum quantity for an adult, to begin
with, was thirty grains three times a day, the first dose half an hour
before rising in the morning, the second in the middle of the day on an
empty stomach, and the third at bedtime. This was continued for a
fortnight, and if with success, was persevered with, according to
circumstances, for a period varying from two to six months. If, on the
other hand, the attacks were not materially diminished in frequency, the
dose was immediately increased by ten grains at a time till the
paroxysms were arrested. In this way as much as from sixty to eighty
grains have been administered three times daily, and, with one or two
isolated exceptions to be afterwards pointed out, I have met with no
case of epilepsy which altogether resisted the influence of these large
doses; and, moreover, I have never seen any really serious symptoms of
poisoning or injury to the general health ensue in consequence.
Sometimes these quantities of the drugs have been taken for many months
with advantage; but as a rule it is preferable, when possible, after a
few weeks gradually to diminish the dose and endeavour to secure that
amount which, while it does not injuriously affect the general condition
of the patient, serves to keep the epileptic attacks in subjection. The
form of prescription to begin with in an adult has been as follows:--
R. Pot. bromid., gr. xv.
Ammon. bromid., gr. xv.
Sp. ammon. aromat., m. xx.
Infus. quassia, ad [Symbol: Apothecaries' ounce]j
M. Ft. haust. ter die, sumendus.
According to the age of the patient so must the dose be regulated; at
the same time, children bear the drug very well. The average quantity to
begin with for a child of ten or twelve years has been twenty grains
thrice daily.
In this manner I have personally treated about two hundred cases, and in
all of these most careful records have been kept, not only of their past
history, present condition, etc., but of their progress during
observation. All these, however, are not available for the present
inquiry. It is necessary in order to judge of the true effect of a drug
in epilepsy that the patient should be under its influence continuously
for a certain period of time. Now, a large number of patients,
especially amongst the working classes, cannot or will not be induced to
persevere in the prolonged treatment necessary in so chronic a disease.
They either weary of the monotony of drinking physic, especially if, as
is often the case, they are relieved for the time, or other
circumstances prevent their carrying out the regimen to its full extent.
The minimum time I have fixed as a test for judging the influence of the
bromides on epileptic seizures is six months, and the maximum in my own
experience extends to four years.[C] All other cases have been
eliminated. I have arranged this experience in the form of tables for
reference, in which will be seen at a glance--_1st_, the average number
of attacks per month in each case prior to treatment; _2nd_, the average
number of attacks per month after treatment; and _3rd_, in the event of
these being fewer than one seizure per month, the total number during
the last six months of treatment.
TABLE I.--_Sixty Cases of Epilepsy, showing Results of Treatment by the
Bromides during a Period of from 6 Months to 1 Year._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1 900 60 --
2 600 5 --
3 600 90 --
4 450 12 --
5 300 2 --
6 240 90 --
7 180 60 --
8 150 5 --
9 150 8 --
10 150 7 --
11 120 3 --
12 120 120 --
13 90 3 --
14 90 9 --
15 70 20 --
16 60 4 --
17 60 6 --
18 60 90 --
19 30 7 --
20 30 1 --
21 30 2 --
22 30 10 --
23 16 8 --
24 16 2 --
25 12 4 --
26 12 12 --
27 12 3 --
28 8 0 0
29 8 2 --
30 8 1 --
31 8 1 --
32 8 -- 4
33 8 1 --
34 8 4 --
35 6 0 0
36 5 -- 5
37 5 0 0
38 4 2 --
39 4 1 --
40 4 1 --
41 4 1 --
42 4 -- 2
43 4 -- 3
44 2 -- 3
45 2 -- 2
46 2 -- 1
47 2 -- 1
48 2 -- 4
49 2 -- 1
50 2 -- 2
51 1 0 0
52 1 -- 2
53 1 0 0
54 1 1 --
55 1 0 0
56 1 0 0
57 1 -- 1
58 1 -- 1
59 1 -- 1
60 1 150 --
TABLE II.--_Thirty-two Cases of Epilepsy, showing Results of Treatment
by the Bromides during a period of from 1 to 2 Years._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1 900 60 --
2 600 120 --
3 300 30 --
4 180 60 --
5 150 -- 2
6 150 1 --
7 90 9 --
8 90 15 --
9 60 2 --
10 6 -- 4
11 30 -- 1
12 30 4 --
13 30 2 --
14 30 3 --
15 16 -- 8
16 12 3 --
17 8 0 0
18 8 -- 3
19 8 -- 4
20 8 -- 1
21 8 -- 10
22 6 -- 1
23 4 -- 4
24 4 -- 4
25 4 2 --
26 2 -- 1
27 2 -- 2
28 2 -- 2
29 1 0 0
30 1 0 0
31 1 -- 3
32 1 -- 3
TABLE III.--_Seventeen Cases of Epilepsy, showing Results of Treatment
by the Bromides during a Period of from Two to Three Years._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1 600 60 --
2 300 15 --
3 60 -- 8
4 30 -- 4
5 30 -- 8
6 30 -- 2
7 16 2 --
8 12 -- 8
9 8 -- 2
10 8 -- 1
11 8 -- 3
12 4 -- 1
13 4 1 --
14 4 6 --
15 1 0 0
16 1 0 0
17 1 -- 3
TABLE IV.--_Eight Cases of Epilepsy, showing the Results of Treatment by
the Bromides during a period of from Three to Four Years._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1 300 3 --
2 60 1 --
3 60 4 --
4 30 1 --
5 16 -- 10
6 12 -- 3
7 8 0 0
8 1 0 0
These four tables consist of all the characteristic cases of epilepsy
which came under notice, without selection of any kind, all being
included, no matter what their form or severity, their age, complication
with organic disease, etc. In analyzing this miscellaneous series, the
chief fact to be noticed, whether the period of treatment has been
limited to six months or extended to four years, is the remarkable
effect of treatment upon the number of the epileptic seizures. Of the
total 117 cases, in 14, or about 12.1 per cent., the attacks were
entirely arrested during the whole period of treatment. In 97, or about
83.3 per cent., the monthly number of seizures was diminished. In 3, or
about 2.3 per cent., there was no change either for better or worse; and
in 3, or about 2.3 per cent., the attacks were more frequent after
treatment.
With regard to the fourteen cases which were free from attacks during
treatment, it cannot, of course, be maintained that all of these were
cured in the strict sense of the term. It is probable that if any of
them discontinued the medicine the seizures would return. Still, the
results are such as to encourage a hope that if the bromides are
persevered with, and the attacks arrested for a sufficiently long
period, a permanent result might be anticipated. Even should no such
ultimate object be realized, it is obvious that an agent which can,
during its administration, completely cut short the distressing
epileptic paroxysms, without injuriously affecting the mental or bodily
health, is of immense importance. Take, for example, cases 7 and 8 of
Table IV., where, prior to treatment, in the one case eight fits a
month, and in the other one, were completely arrested during a period of
nearly four years. The experience of physicians agrees in considering
that the danger of epilepsy, both to mind and body, is in great part
directly proportionate to the severity of its symptoms. If these latter
can be completely arrested, even should we be compelled to continue the
treatment, if this is without injury to the patient, it is as close an
approach to cure as we can ever expect to arrive at by therapeutic
means. The permanent nature of the improvement, and the possibility of
subsequent discontinuance of the bromides without return of the disease,
is a question I shall not enter into, as my own personal experience is
not yet sufficiently extended to be able to form a practical opinion. A
satisfactory solution of this problem could only be made after a
life-long private practice, or by the accumulated experience of many
observers. With hospital patients such is almost impossible, as they are
lost sight of, especially if they recover.
Of the total 117 cases which compose the tables, we find that in no less
than 97 were the attacks beneficially influenced by the bromides. In the
different cases this improvement varies in degree, but in most of them
it is very considerable--for example, Nos. 2, 5, 8, 11, 20, in Table I;
Nos. 5, 6, 11, 15, in Table II; Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, in Table III; and all
the cases in Table IV. In these and others the attacks, if not actually
arrested, were so enormously curtailed, both in number and severity, in
comparison to what existed before treatment, as to constitute a most
important change in the condition of the patient. In those cases in
which improvement was not so well marked, in many it was most decided,
and in frequent instances caused life, which had become a burden to the
patient and his friends, to be bearable.
Of the total number of cases, in 3 the administration of the bromides
had no effect whatever in diminishing the attacks, and in 3 others the
number of seizures was greater after treatment than before. Whether in
these last this circumstance was the result of the drug, or due to some
co-incident augmentation of the disease itself, I cannot decide, but am
inclined to believe in the latter as the explanation.
After a consideration of these facts it is difficult to understand why
most physicians look upon epilepsy as an _opprobrium medicinæ_, and of
all diseases as one of the least amenable to treatment, and the despair
of the therapeutist. For example, Nothnagel, one of the most recent and
representative authorities on the subject, in speaking of the treatment
of epilepsy, says, "Many remedies and methods of treatment have isolated
successes to show, but nothing is to be depended on; nothing can, on a
careful discrimination of cases, afford a sure prospect of recovery, or
even improvement." Such a statement indicates either an imperfect method
of treatment, or that in Germany epilepsy is more intractable than in
this country, as a "careful discrimination" of the above cases affords a
"sure prospect of improvement" and a reasonable one of recovery. That a
critical spirit and healthy scepticism should exist regarding the vague
and imperfect accounts of the efficacy of various drugs in disease is, I
believe, necessary to arrive at the truth; at the same time, we must not
refuse to credit evidence sufficiently based on observation and
experiment. The above collection of cases are facts, carefully and
laboriously recorded, and not originally intended for the purpose which
they at present fulfil. Having been brought up in the belief that
epilepsy was one of the most intractable of diseases, no one is more
surprised than myself at the readiness with which it responds to
treatment. So far, then, from this affection being the despair of the
profession, I believe that of all chronic nervous diseases it is the one
most amenable to treatment by drugs, resulting, if not in complete cure,
in great amelioration of the symptoms which practically constitute the
disease.
An important consideration next arises. Assuming that practically the
treatment in all cases is alike, are there any special circumstances
which explain why some patients should have no attacks while under the
influence of the drugs, while others are only relieved; why some--though
the number is very small--should receive no benefit, and others have a
larger number of attacks after treatment? On a careful examination of
all the clinical facts of each case, no explanation can be found, the
same form of attack, the same complications and circumstances, occupying
each group. For example, one of those who had no attacks during
treatment was a woman who had been afflicted with epilepsy for eighteen
years, of a severe form, with general convulsions, biting tongue, etc.
Another was a very delicate, nervous woman, who suffered, in addition to
the seizures, from pulmonary and laryngeal phthisis, who came of a
family impregnated with epilepsy, and whose intellect was greatly
impaired. By far the largest class are those benefited by treatment, and
these comprehend every species of case, chronic and recent, complicated,
inherited, in the old and young, and so on; yet the most careful
analysis fails to discover why some should be more amenable to treatment
than others, or give any indication which might be useful in prognosis.
Neither does a study of the few cases which the bromides did not affect,
or those which increased in severity under their influence, throw any
light upon the subject, as some of these latter gave no indications
beforehand of their unfortunate termination, and in none of them was
there any serious complication or special departure from good mental or
bodily health.
Another point must be noted, although there is no statistical method of
demonstrating the fact, namely, that in those cases in which the attacks
were not completely arrested, but only diminished in number, those
seizures which remained were frequently greatly modified in character
while the patient was under the influence of the bromides. These were
less severe, and characterized by the patients as "slight," while
formerly they were "strong." This by itself often proves of great
service, as, instead of a severe convulsive fit, in which the patient
severely injures himself, bites his tongue, etc., he has what he calls a
"sensation," in other words, an abortive attack.
Having considered the general effects of the bromides on a series of
unselected cases, we now proceed to investigate whether any particular
form of the disease, or any special circumstances connected with the
patient or his surroundings, have any influence in modifying the results
of treatment. The following table shows epilepsy divided into its two
chief forms, namely, E. Gravior and E. Mitior. By the former is
understood the ordinary severe attack, with loss of consciousness and
convulsions; the latter is the slighter and very temporary seizure, of
loss of consciousness, but without convulsions.
TABLE V.--_Showing Results of Treatment by the Bromides in_--1.
_Epilepsia Gravior_; _and_ 2. _Epilepsia Mitior._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Epilepsia Gravior_.
1 600 5 --
2 450 12 --
3 249 90 --
4 180 60 --
5 120 3 --
6 60 1 --
7 60 6 --
8 30 -- 8
9 30 4 --
10 30 12 --
11 23 1 --
12 16 2 --
13 12 -- 4
14 12 3 --
15 12 10 --
16 8 0 0
17 8 -- 4
18 8 1 --
19 8 4 --
20 8 2 --
21 6 -- 1
22 5 -- 5
23 5 0 0
24 4 -- 2
25 4 1 --
26 4 2 --
27 2 -- 1
28 2 -- 1
29 2 -- 1
30 2 -- 1
31 2 -- 2
32 2 -- 2
33 1 0 0
34 1 0 0
35 1 0 0
36 1 0 0
37 1 0 0
38 1 0 0
39 1 -- 1
40 1 -- 1
41 1 -- 1
42 1 -- 1
43 1 -- 2
44 1 -- 4
45 1 -- 2
46 1 1 --
47 1 150 --
2. _Epilepsia Mitior_.
1 900 60 --
2 600 60 --
3 300 3 --
4 150 1 --
5 150 7 --
6 120 120 --
7 90 9 --
8 90 3 --
9 60 15 --
10 60 90 --
11 13 -- 2
12 16 -- 4
13 16 -- 8
14 8 -- 3
15 8 -- 3
16 4 -- 1
17 4 6 --
18 1 -- 4
Of 47 cases of E. Major, we find that in 8 there were no attacks during
the whole period of treatment, in 1 there was no improvement, in 1 the
attacks were augmented after treatment, and in 37 there was marked and
varying diminution of the seizures. Of 18 cases of E. Mitior there was
no case where the attacks were wholly suspended, in 1 there was no
improvement, in 2 the attacks were increased, and in 15 they were
diminished in number by treatment. This is scarcely a fair comparison
between the two forms, as the numbers are so unequal; but cases of
uncomplicated E. Mitior are not common, being generally associated with
the graver form, which combined cases are not inserted in this table. It
is generally asserted in books that the non-convulsive form is much more
intractable than the other, but the above table proves the contrary, as,
for example, in Nos. 3, 4, 11, 12. It is true that the results do not
appear so complete or striking in E. Mitior as in E. Gravior, but then
it must be remembered that the number of cases is more limited, and the
number of attacks originally much greater. In short, the table shows
that if treatment does not completely avert the attacks of E. Mitior, it
greatly diminishes their frequency.
TABLE VI.--_Showing Effects of Treatment by the Bromides in Epilepsy. 1.
Diurnal Form; 2. Nocturnal Form_.
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Diurnal Form_.
1 300 3 --
2 90 9 --
3 60 6 --
4 30 -- 8
5 24 1 --
6 16 -- 8
7 12 -- 4
8 8 -- 3
9 8 -- 4
10 4 1 --
11 2 -- 1
12 1 0 0
13 1 0 0
14 1 0 0
15 1 -- 1
2. _Nocturnal Form_.
1 60 1 --
2 16 -- 4
3 8 2 --
4 2 -- 1
5 4 -- 2
6 1 -- --
7 1 150 --
Another variety of epilepsy is that which is characterized by the time
at which the attacks occur. In the large majority of cases these take
place both while the patient is awake and when he is asleep. I have,
unfortunately, no observations to offer as to the effects of treatment
on the diurnal or nocturnal attacks in patients suffering from both. The
preceding table shows the result of treatment in 15 cases in which the
attacks occurred only while the patient was awake, and in 7 cases where
they took place only while he was asleep.
Of 15 cases of the purely diurnal form, we find that in 3 there was a
total cessation of attacks during treatment, and in all the others there
was diminution in their number. Of the 7 nocturnal cases, in none were
the seizures entirely arrested, in 1 the attacks increased in number
after treatment, and the remainder were relieved to a greater or less
extent. Here, again, our numbers are small, and therefore difficult to
found any definite principle upon; still there is enough to show that,
contrary to the opinion expressed by most authorities, the nocturnal
form of epilepsy appears to be as amenable to relief as the diurnal
variety.
The next point for consideration is the question whether the fact of the
epilepsy being hereditary or not makes any difference in the results of
treatment by the bromides. In the following table all the cases with a
perfectly sound family history are placed in the first part, and the
second includes those in which either epilepsy or insanity could be
proved to exist in any near relation.
Thus in 39 cases with a perfectly sound family history, in 3 the attacks
were totally arrested during treatment, in 2 there was no improvement,
in 2 there was increase of seizures after treatment, and in the
remainder there was diminution of the fits. In 18 cases, where at least
one near relation suffered from either epilepsy or insanity, in 3 the
attacks were arrested, in 1 they were increased, and in the remainder
diminished. In short, from a review of the details of the table, it does
not appear that the fact of the disease being inherited, or of its
existing in other members of the family, makes any difference to the
benefit we may expect to derive from treatment.
TABLE VII.--_Showing Effects of Treatment by the Bromides in Epilepsy._
1. _Non-Hereditary Cases_, 2. _Hereditary Cases_.
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Non-Hereditary Cases._
1 600 5 --
2 600 60 --
3 450 12 --
4 240 90 --
5 300 3 --
6 150 7 --
7 120 3 --
8 120 120 --
9 150 1 --
10 70 20 --
11 60 6 --
12 60 90 --
13 60 1 --
14 30 12 --
15 90 3 --
16 30 -- 2
17 16 -- 4
18 16 2 --
19 8 0 0
20 8 2 --
21 8 -- 3
22 8 4 --
23 6 -- 1
24 5 0 0
25 5 -- 5
26 4 2 --
27 4 1 --
28 2 -- 2
29 2 -- 1
30 2 1 --
31 2 -- 2
32 1 0 0
33 1 -- 2
34 1 -- 4
35 1 1 --
36 1 -- 1
37 1 -- 1
38 1 -- 1
39 1 150 --
2. _Hereditary Cases._
1 900 60 --
2 180 60 --
3 90 9 --
4 24 1 --
5 16 -- 8
6 12 -- 4
7 12 3 --
8 8 1 --
9 8 -- 3
10 8 -- 4
11 4 -- 2
12 4 6 --
13 2 -- 1
14 2 -- 1
15 1 0 0
16 1 0 0
17 1 0 0
18 4 -- 1
The next table attempts to show whether or not the age of the patient
when he came under observation has any effect in modifying the action of
the bromides, or whether it assists us prognosing the probable result.
A survey of this table shows in general terms that the age of the
patient is neither an assistance nor impediment to the successful action
of the bromides in the treatment of epilepsy. Whatever the age may be,
whether in a young child or in an old person, the average of beneficial
effects appears to be the same. At first sight it would seem as if
treatment would be more successful in the young; but it is not so, as
the two cases in the table over fifty years of age received as much
average benefit as any of the others.
TABLE VIII.--_Showing Effects of Treatment by the Bromides in Epilepsy
at Different Ages_. 1. _Under 15 Years_; 2. _Between 15 and 30 Years_;
3. _Between 30 and 50 Years_; 4. _Over 50 Years_.
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Under 15 Years._
1 900 60 --
2 600 5 --
3 600 60 --
4 450 12 --
5 240 90 --
6 180 60 --
7 150 7 --
8 30 4 --
9 8 0 0
10 8 -- 3
11 4 6 --
12 4 2 --
13 2 -- 1
14 1 150 --
2. _Between 15 and 30 Years._
1 300 3 --
2 150 7 --
3 120 3 --
4 120 120 --
5 90 3 --
6 60 1 --
7 60 6 --
8 60 90 --
9 16 -- 4
10 16 -- 8
11 16 2 --
12 12 -- 4
13 8 1 4
14 8 2 --
15 8 4 --
16 70 20 --
17 5 0 0
18 4 -- 2
19 4 1 --
20 4 1 --
21 2 -- 2
22 2 -- 1
23 2 -- 1
24 2 -- 2
25 1 0 0
26 1 0 0
27 1 0 0
28 1 -- 1
29 1 -- 2
30 1 -- 4
31 1 1 --
3. _Between 30 and 50 Years._
1 30 -- 2
2 30 -- 12
3 12 3 --
4 8 1 --
5 8 -- 3
6 5 -- 5
7 2 -- 2
8 1 0 0
9 1 -- 1
10 1 -- 1
4. _Over 50 Years._
1 30 -- 8
2 24 1 --
Does the fact of the disease being recent or chronic affect the
prognosis of treatment? This will be seen by the following table, in
which the length of time that the disease has existed is divided into
four periods, namely--1, those cases in which the attacks first began
less than a year before treatment was commenced; 2, those in which they
had begun from one to five years before; 3, those in which they began
from five to ten years before; and, 4, those in which the disease had
existed for over ten years.
TABLE IX.--_Showing Effects of Treatment by the Bromides in Epilepsy in
Recent and Chronic Cases. 1. Under 1 Year; 2. From 1 to 5 Years; 3. From
5 to 10 Years; 4. Over 10 Years._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Under 1 Year._
1 600 60 --
2 60 6 --
3 8 -- 3
4 5 0 0
5 4 -- 2
6 4 2 --
7 2 -- 1
8 2 -- 1
9 2 -- 2
2. _From 1 to 5 Years._
1 600 5 --
2 240 90 --
3 180 60 --
4 90 3 --
5 30 -- 2
6 30 -- 8
7 30 12 --
8 16 -- 8
9 12 3 --
10 8 0 0
11 150 7 --
12 8 2 --
13 6 1 --
14 4 -- 1
15 2 -- 1
16 2 -- 2
17 1 0 0
18 1 0 0
19 1 -- 1
20 1 1 --
21 1 150 --
3. _From 5 to 10 Years._
1 450 12 --
2 300 3 --
3 900 60 --
4 90 9 --
5 60 1 --
6 30 4 --
7 16 2 --
8 8 -- 4
9 8 -- 3
10 8 1 --
11 4 1 --
12 3 1 --
13 1 -- 1
14 1 -- 1
15 1 -- 2
4. _Over 10 Years._
1 150 1 --
2 120 3 --
3 120 120 --
4 70 20 --
5 60 90 --
6 16 -- 4
7 12 -- 4
8 8 4 --
9 5 -- 5
10 1 0 0
11 1 0 0
12 1 -- 4
In this table we observe very singular results in the treatment of this
remarkable disease. In most ailments, the longer they have existed and
the more chronic they are, the more difficult and imperfect is the
prospect of recovery. This does not appear to hold good in the case of
epilepsy. For when we analyze the above table we find that the results,
on an average, are as satisfactory in those cases in which the disease
has existed over ten years as in those which began less than one year
before the patient came under observation. For example, we find in
section 4 of Table IX. 12 cases in which epilepsy had existed for over
ten years prior to treatment; of these, in 2 the attacks were completely
arrested, in 1 there was no improvement, in 1 the attacks were
increased, and in the remainder the seizures were as beneficially
modified as in the other sections. Thus it would seem that we are not to
be deterred from treating cases of epilepsy, however chronic they may
be, as the results appear to be as good in modifying the attacks in old,
as in recent cases.
TABLE X.--_Showing Effects of Treatment by the Bromides in Epilepsy--1.
In Healthy Persons; 2. In Diseased Persons._
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Healthy Persons._
1 900 60 --
2 600 60 --
3 150 7 --
4 150 1 --
5 120 3 --
6 90 9 --
7 70 20 --
8 60 1 --
9 60 5 --
10 60 90 --
11 30 -- 2
12 30 -- 8
13 30 12 --
14 16 0 0
15 16 2 --
16 16 -- 4
17 12 3 --
18 8 2 --
19 8 0 0
20 8 -- 3
21 8 -- 4
22 8 4 --
23 4 2 --
24 4 1 --
25 4 2 --
26 2 -- 1
27 2 -- 2
28 2 -- 1
29 2 -- 1
30 2 -- 2
31 2 -- 1
32 1 0 0
33 1 -- 2
34 1 1 --
35 1 0 0
36 1 0 0
37 1 -- 1
38 1 -- 1
39 1 -- 1
40 1 1 4
41 1 150 --
2. _Diseased Persons._
1 450 12 --
2 300 3 --
3 240 90 --
4 180 60 --
5 90 3 --
6 60 6 --
7 24 1 --
8 12 -- 4
9 8 -- 3
10 8 1 --
11 6 -- 1
12 5 -- 5
13 4 -- 1
14 4 6 --
15 1 0 0
Another important question arises: Does the general health of the
patient in any way influence the effects of treatment? In the preceding
table those cases are collected in section 1 whose general health was to
all appearances robust and free from disease. In section 2. are those in
which organic disease could be demonstrated, or in which the condition
of the patient was evidently unfavourable.
Here, again, a consideration of the table demonstrates that the
condition of the general health has no influence on the successful
progress of treatment, as those cases under the head of diseased persons
made apparently as satisfactory progress as those in a perfectly robust
condition regarding their epileptic symptoms.
As a specimen, the following table shows the result in those cases
complicated with a permanent lesion of a motor part of the brain,
namely, hemiplegia, and of an intellectual portion, in the shape of
idiocy:--
TABLE XI.--_Showing effects of Treatment by the Bromides in Epilepsy
complicated with--1. Hemiplegia; 2. Idiocy_.
Average Average Number
No. number number attacks
of attacks attacks during
Case. per month per month last 6
_before_ _after_ months of
treatment. treatment. treatment.
1. _Hemiplegia._
1 450 12 --
2 240 90 --
3 30 4 --
4 24 1 --
5 8 -- 3
6 8 1 --
7 4 6 --
2. _Idiocy._
1 180 60 --
2 120 120 --
3 60 6 --
4 30 4 --
5 4 6 --
Here it may be observed that of 7 cases complicated with hemiplegia, in
1 the attacks were increased after treatment, but all the others were
relieved in average proportion. Of the 5 cases in idiots, in 1 there was
no improvement, in 1 the attacks were subsequently augmented, and in the
others there was improvement. The numbers are far too limited to found
any reliable dictum upon; at the same time, it must be admitted that
while epilepsy complicated with these grave lesions is perfectly
amenable to treatment, this table serves to show that the proportion of
non-success is comparatively large.
It has been stated before that no attempt would be made in this paper to
prove that epilepsy was curable by therapeutic means. Its aim has been
to show the effects of the bromides on the attacks or symptoms of that
disease. It is common to hear it remarked, as if this were of no
importance, "You only arrest the fits, but you do not know, and cannot
cure, the original lesion. You do not go to the fountain-head of the
disease, but simply relieve its results." In reply, I would ask, Of what
disease do we know the ultimate nature any better than that of epilepsy?
and if we did, how would that assist us in treating it? What drug in our
pharmacopoeia cures any single disease, or do other than, by attacking
and relieving symptoms, leave nature to remove the morbid lesion? Even
quinine, to which therapeutists triumphantly point, only arrests certain
paroxysms until time removes the poison from the blood, as it does in
most malarious affections. So far from being a small matter, I believe
there are few, if any, drugs at our disposal which can be demonstrated
to have a more beneficial action in the treatment of disease than that
of the bromides, in epilepsy. Besides, I decline to admit the statement
that complete recovery does not follow their administration. Various
authors have reported cases, and that these are rare is due to reasons
stated before, and chiefly on account of the long period of treatment
necessary to ensure success.
This inquiry may be summed up in the following general conclusions:--
1. In 12.1 per cent. of epileptics the attacks were completely arrested
during the whole period of treatment by the bromides.
2. In 83.3 per cent. the attacks were greatly diminished both in number
and severity.
3. In 2.3 per cent. the treatment had no apparent effect.
4. In 2.3 per cent. the number of attacks was augmented during the
period of treatment.
5. The form of the disease, whether it was inherited or not, whether
complicated or not, recent or chronic, in the young or in the old, in
healthy or diseased persons, appeared in no way to influence treatment,
the success being nearly in the _same ratio_ under all these
conditions.
FOOTNOTES:
[B] Reprinted from the "Edinburgh Medical Journal" for February and
March, 1881.
[C] For an extended experience, see the next paper.
III.
AN INQUIRY
INTO THE
EFFECTS OF THE PROLONGED
ADMINISTRATION OF THE BROMIDES
IN EPILEPSY.[D]
The present inquiry is the result of an experience of 300 cases of
epilepsy treated by myself with the bromides of potassium and ammonium.
In all of these the clinical facts, as well as the progress of the
malady, were carefully studied and recorded. The effects of the
administration of these remedies on epileptic seizures I have already
investigated and demonstrated in a somewhat elaborate series of
observations.[E] Further experience has confirmed the correctness of the
general propositions then arrived at, so that they need not again be
elaborated in detail.
At present it is proposed to direct attention to the effects of the
prolonged administration of large doses of the bromides, and to attempt
to ascertain if, while arresting or diminishing the frequency and
severity of the paroxysmal symptoms, they beneficially influence the
disease itself, or in any way injuriously modify the constitution of the
patient. On this subject much difference of opinion and misconception
prevail. It is well known that the injudicious use of the drugs leads to
certain physiological phenomena which are comprised under the term
"bromism." It is also generally believed that the physical and mental
depression resulting from their prolonged toxic effects constitutes a
condition worse than the malady for which they are exhibited. One of the
objects of this article is to question the accuracy of this assertion,
a true apprehension of which is the more important when we reflect how
universal is this method of treatment, and the deterrent effect it
exercises upon epileptic attacks. The task, like other therapeutic
inquiries--especially those connected with chronic disease--is a
difficult one, there being innumerable pitfalls of error between us and
a sound scientific conclusion. These, however, may, I believe, in great
measure be surmounted by the accumulation of facts laboriously and
accurately recorded, by the intelligent study of their details, and the
impartial and logical deductions which may be drawn from the data
supplied. The value of a therapeutic inquiry depends, not upon the
opinions and undigested experience of individuals, or by the narration
of isolated cases, but upon the indisputable proofs resulting from the
unbiassed analysis of a large series of accurately observed and
unselected examples. The solution of the problem, if complex in all
clinical affections, is especially so in epilepsy. Although the symptoms
of this disease have been recognised from the earliest ages, our
knowledge of its essential nature is as yet shrouded in mystery. The
etiology and pathology are practically undetermined. The phenomena are
not only due to a varied series of morbid conditions, but may assume a
multitude of forms and degrees of severity, which may be, on the one
hand, of the briefest duration, or, on the other, of a life-long
permanence. The symptoms may comprise not only a diversity of physical
ailments, but intellectual disturbances of the most terrible import. The
malady may attack not only many whose systems are predisposed to
disease, but those of the most robust constitution and with a healthy,
family history. The consequences of the disorder may be comparatively
innocuous, but in other circumstances may be attended with the most
disastrous effects on mind and body and even on life itself. In a
disease presenting such an intricate and uncertain course, it is
obviously a task of the utmost difficulty to scientifically estimate the
exact value of any therapeutic measures which may be adopted for its
relief. The effects on one symptom, and that the most prominent, can,
however, be accurately determined--namely, the paroxysmal seizures,
which are definite and computable; and this has already been
accomplished with tolerable precision.[F] On the influence of the
bromides on the disease itself, or on the epileptic state, we have less
accurate information. In attempting to throw some light on this subject,
two preliminary considerations must be recognised--1st, the
physiological actions of the drug on the healthy subject; and 2nd, the
inter-paroxysmal symptoms of the epileptic constitution.
1. Medicinal doses of the bromides produce in healthy persons a general
diminution of nervous energy. They act as a sedative, and thus dispose
to repose and sleep. If they are excessive in quantity and long
continued, especially in those susceptible to their action, a series of
toxic effects are produced. Various organs and functions of the body are
influenced, and the results of the poison may be briefly summed up as
follows:--The intellectual faculties are blunted, the memory is
impaired, the ideas confused, the patient is dull, stupid, and
apathetic, and has a constant tendency to somnolence. The speech is
impeded and slow, and the tongue is tremulous. The special senses are
weakened. The body, as a whole, is infirm, the limbs feeble, and the
gait staggering and incoördinated. The reflex excitability is lowered
and the sensibility diminished. The sexual powers are impaired or
abolished. These symptoms may be present in a variety of degrees, and in
advanced cases even imbecility or paralysis may ensue. The mucous
membranes become dry and insensitive, especially those of the fauces.
This is attended with various functional disorders, such as nausea,
flatulence, gastric catarrh, diarrhoea, &c. The skin is pale, and the
extremities are cold. The action of the heart is slow and weak. The
respiration is shallow, hurried, and imperfect. The integument is
frequently covered with an acne-like eruption. To these symptoms may be
added a general cachexia. All these abnormal conditions, as a rule,
disappear when the consumption of the poison is arrested.
2. Although some persons, suffering from epileptic seizures, are, in the
intervals, of sound mind and body, in many the inter-paroxysmal state is
characterized by certain symptoms peculiar to this condition, and
independent of any form of treatment. These vary from the slightest
departures from health to the most serious mental and physical disease.
The general health is frequently unsatisfactory; the functions of the
body being impaired in vigour, the digestion is weak, and the
circulation feeble. The entire nervous system is in an unstable
condition, the patient being at one time irritable and excitable, and at
another depressed and despondent. There is a very common condition of
so-called "nervousness" which is accompanied by headache, pains,
tremors, and a variety of other subjective phenomena. The mental powers
are enfeebled, the memory defective, and these intellectual alterations
may exist in any degree, even to permanent and intractable forms of
insanity. The physical conditions may also be changed, the nutrition of
the tissues is often imperfect, the skin is pale, the muscles flabby,
and the motor powers generally enfeebled, all of which may also present
different degrees of severity, so as to culminate in actual paralysis.
Admitting, then, that the prolonged and excessive administration of the
bromides causes a series of abnormal symptoms in the healthy individual,
affecting mainly the general nutrition, the mental faculties, and the
sensory and motor functions, and also that the epileptic state is itself
frequently accompanied by impairment of innervation of a somewhat
analogous nature, it follows that when the drug is given for the relief
of the disease, care must be taken not to confound the two series of
phenomena with one another. With this precaution in view, granting that
the therapeutic agent beneficially controls and suppresses the
convulsive seizures, we proceed to discuss whether in so doing it in any
way injuriously influences the constitution of the patient. To answer
this question has been found by no means easy. Comparatively few
physicians have opportunities of observing cases of epilepsy in
sufficient numbers to form substantial conclusions on the subject. Even
in favoured circumstances it is difficult, especially in hospital
practice, to ensure the regular attendance of the patient or to keep him
sufficiently long under observation. The study and the recording of the
facts, moreover, demand an expenditure of much time and labour. These,
added to the sources of fallacy already enumerated, render the inquiry
a complicated one; but it is believed that an approximation to the truth
may be arrived at by the following method of investigation.
A large number of cases of epilepsy form the basis of the statistics,
the great majority of whom are adults. No selection of any kind is made,
and all are admitted irrespective of the cause, nature, or severity of
the disease. The particulars of each having been noted, treatment by the
bromides was instituted, the minimum dose being one drachm and a half
daily,[G] which, if necessary, was further increased in quantity. The
progress of the patient was observed at frequent and regular intervals,
and if the attendance was irregular the case was excluded from the
present inquiry. The result of this proceeding is an aggregate of 141
cases, all of whom have been constantly under the influence of the drug
for periods varying from one to six years. These are arranged in groups
according to the length of time they were under treatment. The immense
mass of details thus collected, added to the varied circumstances
connected with individual cases, render it impossible, in constructing a
summary of the whole, to do more than select certain prominent features
of interest for examination and demonstration. These in tabular form are
as follows:--
TABLES SHOWING THE EFFECTS OF THE CONTINUOUS ADMINISTRATION OF THE
BROMIDES IN THE EPILEPTIC STATE, IN 141 CASES, THE CONDITION BEING
ASCERTAINED AT THE END OF EACH PERIOD.
I. _For one year (51 cases)._
Physical and mental powers unaffected 39, or 76.4 per cent.
Physical and mental powers impaired 6, or 11.7 per cent.
Physical powers alone impaired 3, or 5.9 per cent.
Mental powers alone impaired 2, or 3.9 per cent.
General symptoms of neurasthenia 13, or 25.4 per cent.
Bromide eruption 8, or 15.6 per cent.
II. _For two years (34 cases)._
Physical and mental powers unaffected 28, or 82.3 per cent.
Physical and mental powers impaired 2, or 5.8 per cent.
Physical powers alone impaired 1, or 2.9 per cent.
Mental powers alone impaired 2, or 5.8 per cent.
General symptoms of neurasthenia 5, or 14.7 per cent.
Bromide eruption 6, or 17.6 per cent.
III. _For three years (30 cases)._
Physical and mental powers unaffected 28, or 93.3 per cent.
Physical and mental powers impaired 1, or 3.3 per cent.
Physical powers alone impaired 1, or 3.3 per cent.
Mental powers alone impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
General symptoms of neurasthenia 3, or 10.0 per cent.
Bromide eruption 3, or 10.0 per cent.
IV. _For four years (16 cases)._
Physical and mental powers unaffected 12, or 75.0 per cent.
Physical and mental powers impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
Physical powers alone impaired 2, or 12.5 per cent.
Mental powers alone impaired 2, or 12.5 per cent.
General symptoms of neurasthenia 0, or 0.0 per cent.
Bromide eruption 2, or 12.5 per cent.
V. _For five years (6 cases)._
Physical and mental powers unaffected 6, or 100.0 per cent.
Physical and mental powers impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
Physical powers alone impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
Mental powers alone impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
General symptoms of neurasthenia 3, or 50.0 per cent.
Bromide eruption 0, or 0.0 per cent.
VI. _For six years (4 cases)._
Physical and mental powers unaffected 4, or 100.0 per cent.
Physical and mental powers impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
Physical powers alone impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
Mental powers alone impaired 0, or 0.0 per cent.
General symptoms of neurasthenia 2, or 50.0 per cent.
Bromide eruption 0, or 0.0 per cent.
In the construction of the details of the above tables, care has been
taken as far as possible to distinguish between the effects of the
remedy and the symptoms associated with the disease, although this has
not been always easy to accomplish. It has, however, been approximately
arrived at by a careful study of the patient's health before treatment,
as compared with his subsequent state, and those symptoms only were
considered toxic which were superadded to pre-existing abnormal
conditions. A general analysis of the facts thus collected shows that in
the majority of cases the physical and mental powers do not appear to be
injuriously affected by the prolonged use of the bromides. It is not
asserted that all the individuals placed under this section were
necessarily sound in mind and body. In many instances the functions of
these were impaired, but there was no evidence to indicate that this was
the result of the medicine taken; on the contrary, there was every
reason to believe that the symptoms thus displayed were a part of the
original disease, and had existed prior to treatment.
In a very small percentage of cases were both physical and mental powers
unfavourably modified as a direct consequence of the use of the
bromides, and even in these there is no absolute certainty that the
drugs were entirely responsible for the symptoms, seeing that these
might be attributed to the epileptic condition as well as to the toxic
effects of the remedy. They are considered under this category, as the
abnormal phenomena appeared to be augmented after treatment and improved
on its temporary cessation. They mainly consisted, on the one hand, of
loss of memory, dulness of apprehension, apathy, somnolence, depression
of spirits, and mental debility; and on the other, of bodily languor,
muscular fatigue, and general physical weakness. In no case did any of
these symptoms attain an excessive or prominent position. The same
conditions apply when the physical or mental powers were impaired
independently of one another.
Under the heading of general phenomena of neurasthenia is included a
series of indefinite subjective neurotic symptoms, without intellectual
or bodily deficiencies, in which the patient complained of headache,
neuralgic pains, tremors, of being easily startled and frightened, with
that general instability of the nervous system to which the term
neurasthenia has been given. This condition is extremely common in the
epileptic, and is frequently relieved by treatment. At other times it
remains persistent in spite of all medicaments, and the numbers in the
tables indicate those cases conspicuous by their continuance under the
use of the bromides. Those attacked by the follicular rash are seen at
first to be about 16 per cent., but gradually diminishing in number as
the treatment becomes chronic, and finally disappearing altogether.
In addition to the points referred to in the tables, other questions
have been investigated, although on a smaller scale. For example, in
persons who have been under the influence of the bromides for many
years, the skin and tendon reflex action remain intact, and I have never
seen a case in which the knee-jerk or plantar phenomena were absent. In
only one case was the general sensibility of the skin perceptibly
diminished. With regard to the effects on the sexual powers, I have not
sufficient data upon which to found positive rules. This statement,
however, may be made, that the prolonged use of even large doses of this
drug does not of necessity abolish or even sensibly impair this
function, although, no doubt, it usually does so. On examining the
respiration and pulse, I have never been able to detect any
characteristic abnormality.
I might record many cases in detail to prove the seemingly innocuous
nature of even large and long-continued doses of the bromides in
epilepsy. I shall, however, as an illustration, limit myself to a few
notes on the four cases which compose Table VI., all of whom were
continuously under the influence of the drugs for a period of not less
than six years.
CASE 1.--Louisa C----, aged twenty-nine, has suffered from epileptic
attacks for fourteen years. Prior to treatment she had three or four
every week, of a severe character, consisting of loss of consciousness,
general convulsions, biting of the tongue, &c. She has always been a
delicate person, with a tendency to great nervousness, but otherwise
intelligent, and in fair general health. She has taken one and a half
drachms of bromide of potassium daily regularly for the last six years,
and states that if she attempts to discontinue the medicine all her
symptoms are aggravated. At present the patient is a robust,
healthy-looking woman, of fair intelligence and good spirits. Her
memory is deficient. Her physical powers are vigorous, and she earns her
living as a bookbinder. She has an attack about once a month, and with
the exception of this and occasional headaches and nervousness, she
professes and seems to be in excellent general health. Sensibility, the
knee-jerk, and plantar phenomena are normal. The fauces are insensitive,
and their reflex is abolished. Pulse 60, normal. The circulation,
respiration, and other functions are healthy. No traces of bromism.
CASE 2.--Charles P----, aged thirty-five, has suffered from epileptic
attacks of a severe convulsive character for eighteen years, having had
one about once a month. Prior to treatment, although his memory was
defective, his intelligence and general health were good. For the last
six years he has regularly taken the bromides of potassium and ammonium
(one drachm and a half) daily. At present he still continues to have an
attack about once a month. His mental and physical conditions are the
same as before. He appears perfectly intelligent. His strength is
robust, so that he does his ordinary work as a pianoforte maker. Pulse
74, of good strength. All the reflexes are normal, except that of the
fauces, which is abolished. Sensibility of the skin to touch slightly
diminished. The sexual functions are normal. No symptoms of bromism.
CASE 3.--Matilda W----, aged thirty-one, has suffered from epilepsia
gravior and mitior for twenty-two years, having of the former about one
seizure in three months, and of the latter ten or twelve a day. She has
always been a delicate woman, suffering from headaches, general
irritability, and nervousness. She is, however, perfectly intelligent.
For six years past she has taken regularly the bromides of potassium and
ammonium, one drachm of each daily. She has not had an attack of
epilepsy major for a year, and of epilepsy mitior has now only about one
a week. Although anæmic, her general health is good, and she is able to
do a full day's work as a washer-woman. Intellectually she is quite
sound, but has a treacherous memory, and is very nervous. Sensibility,
reflex acts, &c., are as in the other cases.
CASE 4.--Lucy D----, aged twenty-two, has suffered from epilepsy major
for eight years. Formerly had about one attack a week. Has always been a
delicate girl, but her general health and mental condition have been
normal. For the last six years she has regularly taken one drachm and a
half of the bromides daily (potassium and ammonium in equal parts). She
has had only three attacks during the past year. Her general health is
excellent. She is robust and active, and takes her full share in
domestic work. She is well educated, intelligent, with good memory and
spirits, and has no tendency to depression or somnolence. The
sensibility, reflex acts, and other functions are as in the other cases.
In these four cases it has been ascertained that the patients were
constantly under the influence of large doses of the bromides for a
period of not less than six years, and practically without intermission.
During this period not only were the frequency and severity of the
convulsive attacks beneficially modified, but there was no evidence to
show that the physical or mental condition had been in any way impaired.
It is further to be observed that these as well as many others of those
constituting the later tables, are examples of unusually long-standing
and severe forms of epilepsy, as evidenced by the fact of their chronic
and intractable nature even under treatment. Notwithstanding the
incompleteness of their recovery, these individuals have voluntarily,
and often at great inconvenience and expense, persevered in the use of
the remedy, which is a fair indication they derived some substantial
benefit from it. The examples before us, one and all, declared they have
found by experience that when they have attempted, even for brief
periods, to discontinue the medicine their symptoms have all become
aggravated. As a result the attacks increase in severity and number, the
headaches return, the nervousness augments, and they are unable to
perform either mental or bodily exertion. These sufferings, it is
maintained, are greatly modified by the bromides, as under their
influence epileptics may perform their daily work, when without them
they are comparatively useless. It would be easy to multiply individual
cases supporting the same general principles. One more instance only
need be particularized--namely, that of a man aged thirty, who has
suffered from epilepsy from infancy, and who for the last five years
has taken _four and a half drachms_ of the bromides daily--_i.e._,
during that time he has consumed upwards of _eighty pounds_ of the drug.
Although a delicate person and intellectually weak, his friends state
that during those years he has been more healthy and robust in mind and
body than at any other period of his life. And these statements were
confirmed by other testimony.
While attempting to estimate the therapeutic value of the bromides from
a statistical aspect, one likely source of fallacy must not be
overlooked. Most patients, and especially those attending hospitals, are
difficult to keep under observation for long periods, more particularly
if the progress of the case is unsatisfactory. In this way we may lose
sight of those who do not benefit by treatment or who are injured by it.
Although it is difficult to estimate these with accuracy, a certain
rebatement must always be made on this count in computing results. At
the same time we have in the present inquiry positive evidence, in a
considerable number of cases, of the innocuous and beneficial nature of
the drug, against the negative possibility only of its disadvantages. Of
the 141 cases under notice, I only know of three who have died, and all
of then of phthisis pulmonalis. The relations existing between the
mortality and cause of death on the one hand, and the disease and
treatment on the other, the paucity of the data do not permit us to
determine.
A further study of the tables would also seem to show that while the
beneficial action of the bromides remains permanent, the deleterious
effects diminish the longer the drug has been taken. This is doubtless
due, as in the case of most poisons, to the system becoming habituated
to its use. It has often been observed that the most marked effects of
bromism have appeared at the beginning of treatment, and that the
eruption, the physical and mental depression, &c., subsequently
disappeared, although the medicine was persevered in. Those who have
been under its influence for some years rarely present any symptoms
directly attributable to the toxic effects of the bromides; and if
abnormal conditions do exist, these are the sequelæ of the malady, and
not the results of treatment, as shown by the fact that when the last is
suspended, the original sufferings are augmented.
It may be suggested that a prolonged use of the bromides becomes, as in
the case of opium, a habit. There is, however, a marked distinction
between the two. Opium-smoking is a vice not only deleterious in itself,
but one indulged in merely to satisfy a morbid craving. The bromides, on
the other hand, are less hurtful in their effects, and are taken to
avert the symptoms of a distressing and terrible malady. Assuming, then,
that their consumption becomes a necessity, if it can be shown that the
results are not serious, while the evils they avert are important, the
habit acquired may be looked upon as a justifiable one.
A general review of all these circumstances seems to render it probable
that the epileptic constitution is more tolerant of the toxic effects of
the bromides than the healthy system. The most severe effects of bromism
occur in those who are not the victims of this malady, in whom, as seen
by the foregoing facts, they are not common. Theoretically this may be
plausibly explained by the reasonable assumption that, as in epilepsy
the entire nervous apparatus is in a state of reflex hyper-excitability,
the sedative and poisonous effects of the bromides do not produce the
depressing or toxic actions they would do in a more stable organization.
Whatever the reason may be, the fact is that the symptoms of bromism are
not so severe in the epileptic as they are in otherwise healthy
subjects.
Finally, the important question arises, Does a prolonged use of the
bromides tend towards the eradication of the disease itself and the
ultimate cure of the epileptic state? On this point I have no personal
statistical evidence to offer, nor am I aware of the existence of any
sufficiently scientific series of data to settle the question. Without
there being actual demonstration of the fact, there is every reason to
believe that such a supposition is possible. Clinical observation has
determined that the larger the number of convulsive seizures the greater
is the tendency to the production of others, and the more readily are
they caused. Such is the abnormal reflex hyper-excitability of the
nervous system of the epileptic that the irritative effects of one
attack seem directly to pre-dispose to the occurrence of a second; so
that the larger the number of explosions of nerve instability which
actually take place, the more there are likely to follow. Could such
seizures be kept in check, this cause of the production of convulsions
at least would be diminished, the liability for them to break out as a
result of trifling external stimuli would be lessened, and the
long-continued absence of this source of irritation might by the repose
and favourable circumstances thus obtained, encourage a healthy
transformation of tissue. Now, it has already been pointed out that in
12.1 per cent. of epileptics the attacks were completely arrested during
the entire time the drugs were being administered, and that in a much
larger percentage they were greatly modified in number and severity. It
has been further shown that the remedies themselves, even when in use
for long periods, are in themselves practically innocuous, while at the
same time they continue to maintain their beneficial effects on the
attacks. It therefore follows that a sufficiently prolonged treatment
might in a certain number of cases be succeeded by permanent curative
results. The chief impediment to arriving at trustworthy conclusions on
this subject has been the length of time necessary to judge of lasting
benefits, and the difficulty of keeping patients sufficiently long under
observation. Another has been the objection raised to the method of
treatment on the grounds of a visionary suspicion that the toxic effects
of the drug were of a dangerous nature, and their results more
distressing than the diseases for which they were given. So far as my
experience has extended, I believe this fear has not been warranted by
facts.
FOOTNOTES:
[D] Reprinted from the "Lancet" of May 17th and 24th, 1884.
[E] See Article II.
[F] Vide preceding paper.
[G] The usual prescription contained the bromides of potassium and
ammonium, fifteen grains of each for a dose.
_June, 1884._
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MODERN SURGERY; Its Progress and Tendencies. Being the Introductory
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FIRST LINES OF THERAPEUTICS; as based on the Modes and the Processes of
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LEWIS'S PRACTICAL SERIES.
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Several volumes are nearly ready, and further particulars will be
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LEWIS'S POCKET MEDICAL VOCABULARY.
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J. S. LOMBARD, M.D.
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THE SCIENCE AND ART OF MIDWIFERY, Second Edition, with numerous
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