On the Curability of Certain Forms of Insanity, Epilepsy, Catalepsy, and Hysteria in Females

by Isaac Baker Brown

Case XXXII. Cataleptic Fits—Many Years’ Duration—Operation—Cure.

In 1861 I saw a lady, æt. 50, single—a patient of Dr. Dawson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

She had been suffering from cataleptic attacks for several years, gradually increasing in severity. As in the previous case, the mere touching or shaking of her bed would induce an attack—indeed, the simple brushing of her dress by any one passing her when she walked out of doors, would immediately be followed by a fit. History and examination plainly confirming me in my opinion as to the cause of her attacks, the usual treatment was adopted, and from that time to this she has never had an attack.