Clinical lectures on neurasthenia / by Thomas Dixon Savill.

  • Savill, Thomas Dixon, 1856-1910.
Date:
1908
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Clinical lectures on neurasthenia / by Thomas Dixon Savill. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    135/250 (page 117)
    aloin, nux vomica and belladonna I have found useful. In cases of very obstinate constipation, the bowel can be washed out daily by means o’f a douche-can. Several pints of water, to which boric acid has been added, should be slowly introduced, the patient lying in the dorsal position, with the hips raised. I have also found the administration of a tablespoonful of ohve oil with each meal useful, and if the difficulty still persists, an enema of freshly made soapi rarely fails. With these procedures we must combine measures to allay the irritation of the nervous system. This may be done to some extent by means of the bromides, which in some cases is most useful. The bromide of ammonium seems less depressing than bromide of potash or soda. But the leading indication is to provide rest. This is not always procurable by patients who come to us in the out-patient department, but I have had excellent results, even among these, from a descending galvanic current applied to the spine. It ought to be administered daily, but every other day sometimes does good. You will remember a severe case which I brought before you in my first lecture on this subject. He was a male cook, A. H., aged 28, who had suffered from nervousness, headache, prostration, restlessness, attacks of shivering, and other alarming symptoms for several years. He improved considerably up to a certain point, but after a course of treatment extending over three months he came to a standstill. He was then ordered descending spinal gal- vanism three times a week. At once the effect was obvious, and after a course of three months’ electrical ^ Mix two tablespoonfuls of sodae bicarb, with two tablespoonfuls of olive oil, adding just sufficient warm water to dissolve it. Then add one pint of hot water, mix and inject slowly into the rectum with the patient lying on the back.