Volume 1

The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others].

Date:: 1908-1909

Credit: The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$causes a left-sided paralysis, and vice versa. In severe cases the })aralysis may extend over an entire side of the i)ody, involving one-half of the face, one arm, and one leg. Right-sided })aralysis (resulting from left- sided hcTinorrhage) is nsually associated with a material disturbance of s])eech. In case the apoplectic attack runs a favourable course, the patients are able after a few weeks again to move their limbs, although only imperfectly at lirst ; speech also returns. The degree of improvement wliich may take place in the course of months and years depends entirely upon the se\'erity of the lesion, and in part also upon the correct treatment. In very favourable cases all symptoms recede, whereas in severer ones some muscles remain permanently paralvsed or at least impaired in function. The j)aralysed limbs, es]')ecially the arm and the hand, become affected by cuntractures, as well as by trembling or l)y movements resembling St. \dtus’s dance. The mental capacity of the paralysed ])ersons is frecpiently affected as well. They may k^se their memor\', or they may become dull aiul indilferent ; and they ha\’e no conception of the st*verit\’ of their maladw It is ne\'er })ossible to make a reliable })rediction as to the result, the less so as these attacks frequently recur. Slight luemorrhages (or occlusions of vessels) cause only insignificant disturbances of consciousness, dizziness, ringing of the ears, and tenqioraxy weakness in arms and legs. The best treatment for apoplexy of the brain is the jireventive treatment. Persons suffering from heart-disease and old ])eople with changes of the blood-vessels and with apoplectic predispositions should avoid all causes which might result in a congestion of blood to the head. They should lead temperate lives, abstain entirely from alcoholic drinks, and beware of over- exertions of any kind. \Try little can be done for the treatment of the a})oplectic stroke itself. The jxatient should be put in bed, with the upjiei' ])art of the body raised if the face is flushed, and with cold compresses to the head. It may be of service also to place the feet in hfit water. Tlu' further treatment, esj^ecially that of the consequent conditions, must be left to the ])hysician. Alcoholic drinks should be avoided. BRAIN, CONCUSSION OF. A condition brought about by external force, by a blow, a knock, or a fall. It results in the loss of consciousness and sensation, in vomiting, ]xillor, retarded jndse, and in suj)erficial resjdra- tion. It is often impossible at once to decide whether a fracture of the skull is ]U'esent in addition to concussion of the brain. A person who has suffered a concussion of the brain must be moved ver\’ carefully and cautiously. It is better, therefore, to have him rest pro- visionally at the place of accident, by using blankets, rugs, bedding, etc., until suitable means are at hand to moN'e him to a ])roper })lace. In the mean- time all constricting parts of his dress should be loosened, his head placed in a low position, and any bleeding injuries which may be present should be$