Case XXXVIII. Severe and Frequent Epileptic Fits for Three Years and a Half—Operation—Cure.
C. T., æt. 21; admitted into the London Surgical Home June 23, 1864.
History.—Health always good till three years ago, when, after a severe fright, she became very excited and had a fit. Since that time has been continually subject to them. She never passes a day without two or three, and frequently has as many as six, or even eight, in the twenty-four hours. Is most subject to them at night when sleeping. Is always suffering from headache. Her mental powers are somewhat impaired, as she has very slight recollection of persons, or of events, from day to day. Catamenia very irregular. Has not menstruated since March last. Bowels costive; pulse regular and firm. Is of a sallow complexion, with vacant and weak expression of countenance. Acknowledges great and constant irritation of pudic nerve.
During the day previous to operation, special notice was taken of the nature of the fits. They are epileptic; for although she does not foam at the mouth, she has, on more than one occasion, bitten her tongue, and is perfectly unconscious. There is no rigidity, but a constant struggling, and, unless restrained, the hands always, during an attack, are carried to the seat of irritation.
June 23. The usual operation of excision was performed under chloroform. As soon as she recovered, she managed to remove the dressings. Hæmorrhage for two hours was the result. When arrested, two grains of opium were administered, which produced sleep. On awaking, she again endeavoured to remove the dressings; but, her hands being confined, she was unable to do so. She had no more fits, and but a few hysterical attacks. On July 17th she was discharged, as her parents were anxious for her return. She had not then had a fit of any kind for sixteen days.
August 15. I received the following letter from her father:—
“Dear Sir,—It would be very unkind in me, and much out of place, to hide from you and the world at large what have been my feelings during the past three weeks. My daughter, C. T., came to your Home, Stanley Terrace, Notting Hill, on the 23rd of June last, to be treated by you for epilepsy, or epileptic fits, having been afflicted for three years and a half. The class of fit you may better judge of than myself; sufficient to say, they were very bad and very frequent. I am happy to say, and acquaint you, that since her return she has not had a single symptom of fit or hysteria of any kind. Her general health is also very good, and fast improving, and I do hope, by the blessing of God, she may continue so. If you have any desire to see her, I shall feel in duty bound to let her wait upon you, with her mother, at any time you may think fit to appoint, as your opinion just at this time might have a still more happy effect for the future. You are quite at liberty to use this for the benefit of the Institution in whatever way you may like or seem good.”
A twelvemonth later, this patient was still free from any return of the fits.