Psoriasis--verruca--epithelioma : a sequence / by James C. White.

  • White, James C. (James Clarke), 1833-1916.
Date:
[1885]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Psoriasis--verruca--epithelioma : a sequence / by James C. White. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/12 (page 174)
    report submitted to me by the specialist to whom the patient was referred. The special senses in the case of Mr. U. were normally acute ; and with particular reference to his tongue, taste was perfect on either side, as appeared from repeated experimental trials in that direction. I was unwilling at first to place entire credence in the history as fur¬ nished by the patient. For several weeks he took arsenic and bromides, and used a variety of gargles and mouthwashes. He derived no benefit from this treatment, the paroxysms came as before, and if not occurring with increased violence, they were certainly not diminished either in severity or as regards the frequency of their occurrence. One day the patient was again in my office, when he suddenly stopped short in his speech, and opening his mouth pointed to the tongue. I then saw very distinctly that organ drawn a little to the right side, and a succession of rapid twitchings that lasted but a few moments, and presently culminated in a well-marked rigidity of the right half of the tongue. The entire phenomenon lasted about one minute, and the patient assured me that it had been a paroxysm of moderate severity. Being now convinced that I had to deal with a real motor disturbance, affecting some of the muscles supplied by the right hypoglossal nerve, I determined to try the galvanic current, especially as I now felt quite sure that the patient had spoken the truth with regard to his ailment. Daily applications were made in the following manner: A medium-sized sponge-electrode was pressed rather firmly against the angle of the jaw, and a ball electrode, connected with the cathode, was passed along the right margin of the tongue. The patient complained somewhat of an intensely metallic taste and a prickling sensation, but experienced no other unpleasantness. The strength of the current never exceeded ten cups of the gravity battery. No improvement occurred until the eighth seance. Then Mr. U. stated that he had noticed a decided change for the better. This amelioration continued, and after fourteen sittings the spasms had completely left him. It may be premature to report the case as permanently cured, since only ten months have passed since the disappearance of the spasm. Nevertheless the account just given may be considered as fairly illus¬ trative of the decidedly beneficial action of galvanism in localized mus¬ cular cramps. Finally, I may say that the causation of this condition in 'Mr. U.’s case has remained dark to me. I have no theorv to offer con- cernino; it. (7) New York, 102 E. 57th Street, October 22, 1834.