Case XIII. Extreme Hysteria, verging on Insanity—Five Years’ Illness—Operation—Cure.
Mrs. ——, æt. 32, married; admitted into the London Surgical Home August 5, 1862.
History.—Has been married twelve years, but has had no children nor miscarriages. Has always enjoyed pretty good health until about five years ago, when she began to suffer from leucorrhœa and great pain during menstruation. Catamenia regular in time and quantity. Her bladder is so irritable that sometimes she has to pass her water every half-hour; the urine sometimes very much loaded. Suffers from headache and giddiness in the morning. Says that for the last three years the act of coition has been accomplished without the least pleasure, but with pain. Bowels are opened regularly and without pain.
August 7. Having diagnosed the cause of the disease, the usual operation was performed.
August 9. A severe attack of erysipelas came on, and she was very ill for some days, but she made a good recovery.
A few days after the operation this patient was observed to be occasionally very violent and unmanageable, and to have at these times a wild maniacal look. On questioning her husband, it appeared that for several years she had been subject to fits of violent excitement, especially during the menstrual period, and that at such times “she would fly at him and rend his skin, like a tigress.”
This patient made a good recovery; she remained quite well, and became in every respect a good wife.