The occurrence of infantile paralysis in Massachusetts in 1907 (with especial reference to etiology) : reported for the Massachusetts State Board of Health / by Robert W. Lovett.

  • Lovett, Robert W. (Robert Williamson), 1859-1924.
Date:
[1908]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The occurrence of infantile paralysis in Massachusetts in 1907 (with especial reference to etiology) : reported for the Massachusetts State Board of Health / by Robert W. Lovett. 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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    the conclusion that permanent and complete recovery from the disease is at least very rare, is found in tliis series of cases wliich indicate that com[)letc recovery is not unusual and 18 well authenticated cases of what appears to have been complete recovery of muscular power have been reported. The paralysis in these cases was located as follows : Both lower extremities, 4 One lower extremity, 5 Arm and leg, same side, 2 Hemiplegic distribution, 2 One arm, 3 General slight paralysis, 2 The time given for recovery varied quite evenly from 2- 12 weeks, but two cases of recovery in from 24-48 hours were given. These were as follows : Dr. Palmer, of South Framingham, reported a case six months old, where a total paralysis of the left arm followed 24 hours after an attack of fever. The loss of power lasted 24 hours and wholly disappeared. Dr. Philbrick, of East Northfield, observed a child three years old attacked by fever of 101, I'etraction of the head, and twitching of the face, and the attack was followed im- mediately by some paralysis of both arms and legs. Re- covery followed in 48 hours. The treatment consisted of free catharsis. The tabulation of the time of recovery was as follows : 24 hours . 1 2 mouths 3 24-48 hours . 1 2^ months 2 2 weeks . 2 3 months 3 3 weeks . 1 Gradual 1 1 month . 2 — 6 weeks . 1 Total . 18 7 weeks . 1 There seems no reason to doubt the authenticity of these cases; on the whole the histories suggest that they were to be classed among the less severe cases, but such