Manual of Nervous Diseases and an Introduction to Medical Electricity

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. 1885. Excerpt: ... The General Paralysis Of The Insane (paralytic Dementia). A sad interest attaches to this disease which, in popular language, has received the ominous designation of softening of the brain. It attacks men in the prime of life, rapidly destroying in its progressive course both body and mind. A singular combination of motor and psychical disturbances characterizes the typical form of this affection, which is traceable to marked lesions of the brain and its membranes. Clinical History. It is convenient to divide the clinical history of paralytic dementia into three stages: 1, the premonitory stage; 2, the stage of acute mania; and 3, the stage of chronic dementia and muscular prostration. The Premonitory Stage. Enfeeblement of the mind and alteration of character, habits and inclinations, may for an indefinite period constitute the only indications of the disease. The mental defect principally manifests itself by forgetfulness, a lowered intellectual capacity, and oscillation of the will. There is, besides, a laxity of moral behavior which is not usual with the patient. He indulges in excesses, visits disreputable houses, passes much of his time in low drinking shops and spends his money freely. Such a patient can hardly be said to be insane, but he certainly is drifting into it. The manner in which this moral deterioration displays itself is influenced by the social position and pursuits of the patient. If he is a merchant or a professional man, he becomes careless of his promises, neglects his appointments, mislays important papers, gives orders that derange his business and forgets them. The sedate pater familias raises scandal by his unbecoming conduct, which he takes little pains to conceal or to defend. Another makes expensive presents to persons he...