Handbook of the Hospital Corps, United States Navy, 1939 / published by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy.

Date:
1939
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Handbook of the Hospital Corps, United States Navy, 1939 / published by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    943/1036 (page 929)
    The galvanic current is a unidirectional and constant current of low voltage (2-100) and low amperage (1-50). It is obtained from wet or dry cells, from direct current mains with rheostat control, or from an alternating current supply changed to direct current by a motor generator or valve tubes. It is used: 1. To treat acute and chronic traumatic and inflammatory conditions, as contusions, spasms, or myositis; 2. For ionic medication in selected cases of arthritis, neu- ritis, neuralgia, and rheumatoid conditions; 3. As part of the follow-up treatment of selected cases of cerebral hemorrhage; and 4. Surgically, in the treatment of benign new growths, superfluous hair, and dilated blood vessels. TECHNIQUE.—The polarity of the galvanic current can be determined by dipping two metal electrodes from the apparatus in a bowl of salt solution. Bubbles arise from the negative pole. The electrodes, metal plates covered with a well moistene] pad (16 thicknesses of gauze) of the size and shape of the area to be treated, are applied firmly. If the electrodes are of equal size the polarity effect may be ignored, if unequal, the polarity effect will be more marked at the smaller electrode. Warm the skin first. Turn the apparatus on gradually, opening the rheostat until the desired cur- rent is obtained. If patient complains of burning, reduce the current, or turn the current off and remoisten and rearrange electrodes. Current within com- fortable tolerance of patient, 4 to 1 milliampere of current per square inch of electrode surface. Treatments are usually given for 15 to 20 minutes, on alternate days, or started at 7 minutes and gradually increased to 40 minutes. In cerebral applications the patient is recumbent, and two electrodes, 2 inches wide and 4 inches long, well secured at the forehead and nape of the neck, are used. The negative pole is at the forehead. The current must be constant, with no sudden changes, and started slowly at 1 milliampere and increased to 2 to 5 milliamperes daily or on alternate days. This treatment is used in post-hemiplegic conditions. Galvanic baths are given in wooden or porcelain tubs, with two electrodes in wooden frames to prevent direct contact with patient. The current is turned on gradually to comfortable toleration, 500 to 200 milliamperes for 10 to 15 min- utes. These baths cause general muscular stimulation, acceleration of metabo- lism, and are of value in generalized arthritic conditions, extensive paralysis, and neurasthenia. IONIC MEDICATION.—A large dispersive electrode is applied to a convenient part of the body and the active electrode over a pad well moistened in the therapeutic solution is placed over the area to be treated. Current to comfortable tolerance is used for one-half hour. The following table gives information concerning sub- stances used in ionic medication : Active ‘ Drug electrode use Time Sodium chloride, 1% solution_-_.| Negative | Soften scars.____.__.-..---------- 16 hour daily or alter pole. nate days. Nodine iO ASolimioms= ss 2-22 ese ee doves Goiter; chronic synovitis________ Do. Salicylic acid, 1% solution. _____|____- Goma Resistant arthraleia_--.-= 222222 Do. Quinine, 17 solution. 2.222. - Positive... 2 || Lrigeminal meuraleige-s 9-22 ses5- Dor. Cocaine oj soluvion= sees ees. s eee Goes Circular anesthesia__..__-__--_- Do. Lithium ions, 1% solution -__----|--__- Ons. AW GOUbisst 276 2 ee ceo Few minutes. Histamine (acid neoplate), 1 to |____- do__._.__| Myositis; rheumatical condition, Do. 1,000 solutions. : chronic. Choliny oto LZ solution= =ss6 552 == G02. 2. Periphera vascular processes__._| 20-30 minutes. Zine cbloride or zine sulfate, |_---- dost2i2 Indolent ulcers; chronic otitis | Comfortabie (10) to tol- 16% solution. media. eration (30).