Two unique cases of insanity : possibly epileptic / by Theo. W. Fisher.

  • Fisher, Theodore W. (Theodore Willis), 1837-1914.
Date:
1887
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Two unique cases of insanity : possibly epileptic / by Theo. W. Fisher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    *—» ( 100. Evening—Was rational six hours this p. m. Did not talk quite distinctly and had a general but slight trembling. Tried to explain his previous condition, but does not remember much of what happened in the last forty-eight hours. At eight o’clock in the evening be- came somewhat rigid again and refused medicine except from the interne, who was an old friend of his. November 17—In the morning refused to answer questions. Stares in a fixed way but holds out his hand to be dressed. Keeps it there a few minutes after it is dressed and then lets it drop. In the evening be- came communicative and mauageable. Says he was suspicious of harm when he refused the medicine. Is afraid of other patients. November 18.—Is quiet and rational. Tries to de- scribe some of his fancies and delusions. Thinks the idea of his going home soon unsettled his mind and brought on a relapse. Intends to remain until thor- oughly well. In a few days he recovered his usual health and seemed even calmer and more natural than before. There was nothing more noteworthy in his case until his discharge apparently perfectly well February 20th, 1886. He has remained well to date, November, 1886. The only treatment during the convalescent period was the use of bromide of potassium and ergot. In this case positive evidence for the existence of gen- uine idiopathic epilepsy is wanting. If we assume that it was present we may consider the three attacks at in- tervals of a year, which preceded his insanity, as attacks of petit mal. The attack just preceding his admission to the hospital and the one which occurred a month later, were more like hysteroepilepsy, being largely emotional and without true epileptic convulsions. The patient claimed that he was conscious throughout the