Case XXII. Nine Years’ Illness—Epileptiform Attacks—Three Years’ Duration—Operation—Cure.
G. M., single; admitted into the London Surgical Home December 18, 1860.
History.—For the last nine years has suffered greatly and regularly during the menstrual periods. Has been much worse for the last three years, during which time has, at each menstrual period, been frequently taken in a fit, dropping down suddenly and fainting right off; this state lasting for two or three hours. Being in service, this has caused her much trouble, as none of her employers would keep her. For the last six months has suffered severe pain over right ovary, increased by exercise or pressure, and at the menstrual period. Believing that the dysmenorrhœa and fits both arose from the same cause, on January 3, clitoris was cut down to the base. After this operation she never had a fit, and all untoward symptoms left her except the dysmenorrhœa; she was therefore re-admitted May 27, 1861, and there being some narrowing of the cervix, it was incised with the hysterotome. June 21, catamenia came on without pain, and continued to do so regularly. In July she was well enough to return to service.
April, 1865. Her mother called at my house to say that this patient had been married some months, and was shortly expecting her confinement. She had remained quite well since the operation.