Congenital and infantile spastic palsy / by E. Mansel Sympson.

  • Sympson, Edward Mansel, 1860-1921.
Date:
[1889]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Congenital and infantile spastic palsy / by E. Mansel Sympson. 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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    be obtained ;1 the child had never walked. The muscles were small but well nourished. The head symmetrical in shape. He could overcome the spasm of his arms by tightly pressing them to his sides. He was cleanly in habits, and seemed to have no trouble of micturition or defaecation. Case II. Spastic Hemiplegia.—Walter M., aged 25 (notes taken October 8, 1888). History. When he was nine months old he had convulsions ; ever since his left arm and leg have been palsied. Present Condition. Left fore-arm semi-flexed, pronated and ricrid, the wrist flexed, and the fingers over-extended. No athe- tosis or involuntary movements were noticed. The rigidity probably prevented the deep reflexes being obtained. Left leg. Clasp-knife rigidity; clonus on tapping patellar tendon; no ankle-clonus. Both arm and leg are smaller in girth and shorter somewhat than on the other side. Face. Naso-labial fold more evident on the left side, while laughing affects both sides equally. Tongue protruded rather to left side. Eyes natural to the ophthalmoscope. His head is small, but symmetrical. He is fairly intelligent, though laughing easily, and quite cleanly in his habits. He can walk very fairly now. Case III. Spastic Paraplegia? Lucy R., aged 10, one of four- teen, of whom only four are living. (In Lincoln County Hospita 1 May 21 to July 23, 1888.) History. Convulsions soon after birth : the condition of legs has been the same ever since. Present Condition. Only partially intelligent: passes every- thing under her. Walks stiffly, inco-ordinately, and cannot keep her balance. Legs. Clasp-knife rigidity. Reflexes (patellar and ankle- clonus) greatly exaggerated. Muscles react well to faradisation. Roof of mouth arched. Eyes. Right pupil dilated in ore than left (but both large); normal to the ophthalmoscope. 1 See Dr. Gowers, Diseases of the Nervous System, vol. ii. p. 333. - For notes of this case I have to thank Mr. W. H. B. Brook, AI.B., House Surgeon, Lincoln County Hospital. I 2
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