Essays on the theory of convulsive diseases / by Marshall Hall.

  • Marshall Hall
Date:
[1848]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Essays on the theory of convulsive diseases / by Marshall Hall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Extreme laryngismus may occur quite unexpectedly amongst tlie first symptoms, or in the midst of such general convulsive affection as may have repeatedly taken place and passed off without such apparent danger. If but a slight strabismus, or a slight contraction of the finger, remain; or even if all symptoms have entirely disappeared, fatal laryn¬ gismus may still occur, taking us by surprise, all having ap¬ peared well and safe. I do not think we have any means of judging when this event is more likely to take place than usual. Our prognosis, therefore, however justly tinctured with hope, should always be most guarded in this class of maladies; otherwise our judgment will assuredly be sometimes painfully called into question. The prevalence of a north-east wind appears particularly apt to induce laryngismus in its extreme form; and in this manner several cases of sudden death have occurred in prac¬ tice nearly at the same period of time. A fit of passion is frequently the immediate cause of clo¬ sure of the larynx, and of dissolution. And though I never knew so disastrous an event to occur, I have often feared lest it might take place during the use of the gum-lancet; and it is precisely the real danger of exciting a paroxysm of convul¬ sive affection, which is the real, and I may add, the sole, ob¬ jection to the use of this important remedy. In reference to such an event, Capuron remarks:—“ L’en- fant a ete reellement suffoque.” Dr. Johnson, of Dublin, saw “ a child in a state of asphyxia, caused by this disease, recovered from apparent death by the instantaneous applica¬ tion of artificial respiration.” In the case of threatening of asphyxia, the remedy is— instantly to dash cold water on the face and other parts of the general surface. The further treatment, in general, is that for asphyxia, especially the institution of artificial respiration. The thorax and abdomen should be speedily compressed, and then be left to the force of resilience, in order that inspiration, however slight, may follow. Frictions of the limbs, with pressure, directed upwards, should be used energetically. The douche, the attempt at artificial respiration, the fric-
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