On some points in the treatment of epilepsy / by William Alexander.

  • William Alexander
Date:
[1893]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On some points in the treatment of epilepsy / by William Alexander. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    Sometimes, but rarely, a fourth dose is given. The following statistics have been prepared by me of the effects of this prescription on patients who have been treated with it for a sufficient time to allow of an impression being made. The previous treatment was very varied, and it would be too tedious to present it all before you. It included all kinds of bromide treatment, regular and irregular; also indifferent treat- ment, where the general health only was attended to ; and finally, cases where other reported specifics, such as zinc, antipyrin, simulo, &c., were given. A study of the table will show that the fits have been arrested for several months in 9 cases; in 17 they have diminished in frequency, in many of these the diminution being marked, in one the attacks have remained stationary, and in one they have increased under treatment. An examination of the reports of a considerable number of private patients who have been under this treatment for some years past only corroborate the ex- perience of the Home at Maghull. The notes and observations are, however, not so complete as in those treated at the latter place, and it would not alter the conclusions were they also tabulated. Although this method of treatment has a good influence on the attacks, its beneficial effect on the mental condition of the patients is much more uniform. A great many of the patients showed symptoms of post-epileptic or periodical mental disturb- ance. Several of them were stupid and dull for several days, and a few were bedridden and helpless at times, and required then to be treated as imbeciles. These mental disturbances have almost disappeared, and the patients have been saved the necessity of confinement in lunatic asylums. In fact, in several instances the secretary had warned the friends that removal from the Home would probably be necessary on account of the mental disturbances frequently evinced after admission. Owing to the great improvement in their mental state under treatment, we have never required the notice to be carried out. If my report of this method of treatment had not some draw- backs, it might be considered too favourable. Fortunately, for
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