Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869. Excerpt: ... C. DIS£ASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 1. Epilepsy. By epilepsy we understand spasmodic attacks which, occur in paroxysms, are separated from each other by free intervals, and are accompanied by a complete suspension of the consciousness, sensibility and the power of voluntary motion. The pathological changes accompanying this disease remain enveloped in perfect obscurity in spite of all investigations and the frequent occurrence of the paroxysms. We may consider it as proven that the medulla oblongata is the starting-point of these very peculiar nervous paroxysms; but we have no certain knowledge of the changes taking place in the medulla or of the manner in which other derangements affect this organ. Epilepsy is a disease of frequent occurrence and has a very chronic course. Its causes are manifold, some of which are indeed as yet questionable, others, on the contrary, are definitely known, although the nature of the connection between these causes and the disease is still involved in obscurity and doubt. One of the leading causes of the disease is its hereditary character. Our statistics have shown that a large number of our epileptic patients are either born of epileptic parents, or of parents afflicted with other spasmodic affections, and that, in transmitting the disease, the mother exerts a more powerful influence than the father. Xor does it often happen that the disease skips a generation altogether. Females seem to be more disposed to epilepsy than males; it is more particularly the transition forms between epileptic and other convulsive affections that occur among females in a larger number than among males. The disease is seldom traceable as congenital, breaks out most frequently between the tenth and twentieth rear, almost as frequently betw...
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