DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
NEURALGIA.—Pain occurring in the course of the nerves and in their area of distribution. The pain has remission and intermissions, and is due to some morbid affection of the nerves of sensation or their spinal or (brain) centers.
Causes.—The affection may depend upon some functional disturbance alone; or it may be due to some organic disease of the nerve or to some disease or diseased state outside of the nervous system. It occurs more frequently in women past the middle-age, in those of a nervous tendency. As stated, it affects women more than men. Debility is a frequent cause. Neuralgia is frequently associated with the various forms of anemia. It may occur at the onset of acute diseases like typhoid fever. Exposure to cold causes it in susceptible persons. Decayed teeth may cause neuralgia of the fifth nerve. It also occurs in rheumatism, gout, lead poisoning, and diabetes. Persistent neuralgia may be a feature of hidden Bright's disease.
Symptoms.—Pain is the chief and characteristic symptom. It may develop suddenly and without warning, or soreness or stiffness in the tissues surrounding may precede it. There is a burning or violent sensation in the course of the affected nerve, increased on exertion in acute cases. In other cases the pain comes intermittently or in paroxysms, and is of a darting, stabbing character, or accompanied by tingling sensations. There may be a want of sensation of the skin in the affected region or over-sensitiveness over the entire nerve-trunk with certain painful points. The attacks of pain may come only at long intervals of time, but usually they occur every few minutes and last for some hours. Pain may be continued for hours or days in severe cases. In rare cases it may persist for months or years, being worse at a certain time each day, especially in cases where malaria exists. There is paleness or congestion of the part affected, various eruptions, and changes in the color of the hair occur and, in advanced chronic cases, symptoms of interference with the general nutrition also occur. Spasms of the adjacent muscles may accompany the severe paroxysms.
[262 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
[Illustration: The Nervous System.]
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 263]
Varieties.—Neuralgia may be classified according to its causes, as neurotic, toxic, rheumatic, etc.; or according to its location as trifacial, intercostal, sciatic, and so on, Exposure to cold, mechanical irritations, tumors, pressure on the nerves, and wounds may lead to neuralgia. It is more frequent in cold and damp climates than in dry and warm locations; everyone should remember the causes.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Neuralgia.—1. Lemon Juice as Liniment for.—"Cut a lemon in two and squeeze juice on parts afflicted and rub in, then place hot cloths over it. I know this will cure the pain." This is very good.
2. Neuralgia, Salt and Vinegar Will Relieve.—"A small sack of hot salt applied to the pain, or steam with vinegar." The heat from the salt is very effective and the moisture of the vinegar is also very good. This simply produces a counter irritation.
3. Neuralgia, Quinine Will Cure.—"Use quinine three times a day." It is well in taking quinine to take two grains three times a day for two days, then take some good cathartic, so as not allow the quinine to remain in the system. This is very beneficial, especially when neuralgia is due to malarial conditions.
4. Neuralgia, Four Ingredient Remedy for.—
"Oil of Peppermint 1 ounce
Oil of Mustard (strong) 1/4 ounce
Vinegar 1 pint
White of one egg.
Beat egg and stir all together."
5. Neuralgia, Good Liniment for.—
"Essential Oil of Mustard 1 dram
Tincture Aconite 1 dram
Glycerin 1 ounce
Alcohol 4 ounces
Mix and shake well before using."
This remedy is a valuable external preparation for all nervous and neuralgia pains, rub twice a day until relieved.
6. Neuralgia, Menthol Liniment for.—"One dram of menthol liniment, two ounces of alcohol. This makes a very excellent liniment for many purposes. For rheumatism, neuralgia, headache, etc." This liniment will be found very beneficial as the menthol is soothing and quieting, and we all know that alcohol is very good to be applied for any of the above mentioned diseases.
7. Neuralgia, Belladonna Plaster for.—"Melt three ounces of rosin plaster and add one-half ounce of extract of belladonna. An excellent application in neuralgia and rheumatism."
[264 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
PHYSICIANS' GENERAL TREATMENT for Neuralgia.—Remove the cause if possible. If from anemia, give tonics for that and try to cure that disease. Tonics with good nourishing food, and proper surroundings are needed for anemia. In malaria, syphilitic or gouty patients, constitutional treatment must be given for those diseases before the neuralgia will be better. The systematic use of galvanic electricity, properly used, is the most valuable means at the physician's disposal, especially in the descending current, beginning with the mild current and gradually increasing in strength. Internally: Arsenic, bromine, ergotinc, aconite, gelsemium, valerian, ether, cannabis indica and quinine are recommended. Opium may be used in the very severe forms, but it must be used with caution, or you will make your patient a drug fiend, and his latter state will be worse than the first condition. Wet compresses, vapor baths, cold affusions, wet cloths, are highly recommended.
1. For the Cure of an Attack—
Antipyrine 30 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 20 grains
Make into ten powders. Take one everyone-half hour until 3 doses are taken. Three (3) doses at least should relieve the neuralgia.
2. Antipyrine 30 to 60 grams
Bromide of Potash 3 drams
Mix: and make into ten powders; one every thirty minutes until relieved or until six doses have been taken; this is better than the first prescription when there is much nervousness with the neuralgia or neuralgic headaches.
3. If caffeine in first prescription causes nervousness, give this one:
Antipyrine 30 to 60 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 10 grains
Bromide of Potash 3 drams
Mix and make ten powders. Take one every half hour until relieved or until six doses have been used.
These are very effective prescriptions, but if a person has any heart trouble I would not advise their use except under a physician's care. (Sometimes a patient with neuralgia gets desperate, and he will even resort to morphine). Antipyrine is one of the simplest coal tar remedies, and most persons can safely take it. Persons who are subject to neuralgia or headaches need to take good care of themselves. Get plenty of rest and sleep. Neuralgia at first can be cured, but when it once becomes chronic, especially neuralgia of the face, it is hard to cure and frequently makes life a constant misery. Plenty of outdoor life is essential. In that way the system will be built up, and when the body is strong the disease can be thrown off much easier. A great many people depend too much upon strong medicines. Medicines are all right in their place, but all the medicine in the world cannot cure a person unless that person does his or her part.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 265]
SPECIAL DISEASES. Facial Neuralgia. (Neuralgia of the fifth pair of Cranial Nerves. Also known as Trifacial Neuralgia. Neuralgia of the Trigeminus. Tic doloureux, etc.).—This form is more frequent than all other forms combined, this nerve being peculiarly susceptible to functional and organic disorders. All three branches are very rarely affected together, the ophthalmic (eye) branch being most often involved. The symptoms depend upon the branch involved.
1. Ophthalmic Neuralgia Pain, (eye neuralgia pain).—This pain is above the eye, or frontal kind, with a special painful point at the supraorbital (above the eye) notch. Sometimes the pain is very severe in the eye-ball.
2. Supramaxillary Neuralgia.—In this the pain is along the infraorbital (nerve beneath the eye) nerve, and there is a marked tender point at the opening in the bone (infraorbital foramen) beneath the eye. A toothache-like pain in the upper teeth is common in this variety.
3. Inframaxillary (lower maxillary) Neuralgia.—This is characterized by a scattered (diffused) pain along the inferior dental (teeth) branch, and extends from the temporal (side forehead) region over the side of the face to the chin, with pain in the lower teeth and side of the tongue. The pain in this nerve may come on without any special cause, or it may come after excitement of a physical or mental nature. Disorders of nutrition occur. The circulation is interfered with and the face, at first pale, becomes red. Eruptions may appear along the course of the nerve, while salivation and "running" (lachrymation) of the eyes are often prominent symptoms. Spasms of muscles of the face (tic doloureux) may accompany the paroxysms and this is the most terrible form of nerve pain. The attacks may be mild or very severe and sometimes sudden. This is a terrible disease, especially when it has existed for some time. A person with severe pain in the face should always attend to it immediately, before it becomes chronic.
Treatment.—It is directed towards removing the cause, if possible. Chronic cases are difficult to cure. The patient should be careful not to take cold, keep strong and healthy by regular hours for sleep, good sufficient clothing. The general health must be improved. These directions apply to all kinds of neuralgia.
INTERCOSTAL NEURALGIA.—A neuralgia of one or more of the intercostal nerves. These nerves run in a groove in the lower edge of the ribs. Causes.—It may develop without any special cause. It comes in anemia, after exposure to cold, from affection of the vertebrae, ribs, spinal cord, or from the pressure of tumors, or aneurism of the aorta. This is next in importance to neuralgia of the fifth nerve, and occurs more often in women and very common in those who have hysteria. It is more common on the left side and mostly in the nerves situated from the fifth to the ninth intercostal space. If it is located in the nerves distributed to the mammary glands it gives rise to neuralgia of the mammary gland. The flying darts of pain in the chest (pleurodynia) are to be regarded as neuralgic in character.
[266 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Symptoms.—The pain is usually very severe, especially on movement of the intercostal (between the ribs) muscles. With this pain, as a rule, an eruption (herpes) appears along the course of the affected nerve and this is supposed to be due to the extension of the inflammation from the nerve-ends to the skin. Pain, when pressed upon, is most marked near the spinal vertebral, the breastbone (sternal) end and the middle part of the nerve. The trouble may continue a long time after the eruption (herpes) has disappeared, for it is very obstinate.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Intercostal Neuralgia.—This consists in using remedies that will cause counter-irritation. Electricity and pain destroying (anodynes) remedies are indicated in chronic cases. Apply heat for pain in the "breasts." For the eruption an ointment like oxide of zinc can be used.
Local Treatment.—A mustard plaster is frequently good to use. It produces the counter-irritation desired. Application of dry heat from hot cloths; a hot sand bag may help in some cases. A rubber bag containing hot water can also be used. Fomentations of hops, etc., applied hot and frequently changed to keep them hot are beneficial in some cases. I have found in some cases that an adhesive plaster put over the sore parts relieves the severe pain. Porous plasters are also good. Tincture of ranunculus bulbosus (buttercup) is a good remedy. Put ten drops in a glass half full of water, and take two teaspoonfuls every hour.
[Illustration: Sciatic Nerve.]
SCIATICA.—This is as a rule a neuritis of the sciatic nerve or of its cords of origin. It is characterized by pain chiefly along the course of the sciatic nerve.
Causes.—It occurs most commonly in adult males. The person may have a history of rheumatism or gout in many cases. Exposure to cold after heavy muscular work or exertion, or a severe wetting are common causes. The nerves in the pelvis may be compressed by large tumors of the ovaries or womb, by other tumors, or by the child's head during confinement. Occasionally hip joint disease causes it. The nerve, as a rule, is swollen, reddened, and in a condition of "interstitial neuritis." The pain may be most severe where the nerves emerge from the hip bone, behind, or in the inner back, and middle part of the thigh.
NERVOUS SYSTEM 267
Symptoms.—Pain is the most constant and troublesome. It is sometimes very severe. The onset is usually gradual, and for a time there is only a slight pain in the back of the thigh; soon the pain becomes more intense, extends down the thighs, and leg and reaches to different parts of the foot. The very sensitive spots can often be pointed out by the patient, and on pressure these spots are very painful. It is gnawing and burning in character, usually constant, but sometimes it comes in paroxysms, and is often worse at night. Walking usually causes great pain. The knee is bent and the patient treads on his toes. As a rule it is an obstinate trouble, and it may last for months, or even with slight remissions for years. In the severer forms the patient must remain in bed and such cases are very trying for both patient and doctor.
(See Mothers' Remedies under Neuralgia above).
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT. Cautions for Sciatica.—Remove all causes if you can. Rheumatism and gout, if the patient have them, should be treated. The patient should not overwork or expose himself to wet, damp weather. Keep every part dry. Rest in bed with the whole leg fixed is a valuable mode of treatment in many cases. Hot water bags from the hip to the knee placed along the painful nerve, sometimes gives great relief. Mud baths are beneficial. Hot Springs baths relieve many cases. Fly blisters placed along the track of the nerve relieve the pain in many cases. Fomentations of smartweed and hops are good, but they must be changed often so as to be hot. Wet or dry cupping is a help in many cases. It draws the blood from the inflamed nerve. Morphine given hypodermically will relieve the pain, but it is a dangerous medicine to use in a chronic case. The patient will be very likely to form the habit, and that is worse than the sciatica. By care and treatment most cases can be greatly helped and cured. Rhus tox (poison ivy) is very good in minute doses in cases where it is impossible to remain in one position for any length of time. Ten drops of the tincture in a glass two-thirds full of water and two teaspoonfuls given every hour. I have helped many cases with this remedy. The hot iron along the track of the nerve is helpful. Electricity is better in a chronic case where there is wasting of the legs, and it should be combined with massage. The galvanic current should be used.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Nervousness. 1. Catnip Tea for.—"A tea made of catnip will quiet the nerves. This is good for women when they are apt to be nervous."
2. Nervousness, Hops Will Stop.—"Purchase a small package of hops at any drug store, and make a tea of it, drinking frequently in tablespoonful doses." It is a harmless remedy, and should be used more freely by nervous people. The hops are very soothing. Nervous mothers should never be without this. It is surprising to see how few people know the value of some of these simple home remedies.
3. Nervousness, Effective Remedy for.—
"Spirits of Camphor 1/2 ounce
Comp. Spirits of Lavender 1/2 ounce
Tincture of Valerian 1 ounce
Sulphuric Ether 1/2 ounce
Mix. Dose, one or two teaspoonfuls every three hours."
[268 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
The foregoing remedy is very effective, as spirits of camphor and the tincture valerian quiet the nerves. The sulphuric ether also has a soothing effect. This combination makes a fine tonic, but should not be taken too long, as it is quite strong.
4. Nervousness, Five Ingredient Remedy That Relieves.—"In extreme nervous debility with tendency to fainting fits, use the following:
Spirits of Camphor 1/2 ounce
Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 1/2 ounce
Spirits of Lavender Compound 1 ounce
Tincture Valerian 1 ounce
Tincture Castor 1 ounce
Mix. Dose.—From one to three teaspoonfuls at intervals of from fifteen minutes to three hours, according to urgency of symptoms. This mixture should be kept on hand by all persons subject to fainting fits."
Spirits of camphor and aromatic spirits of ammonia stimulates the heart, while the tincture of valerian quiets the nervous system.
5. Nervousness, "Lady's Slippers" Breaks up.—"A decoction is made with two ounces of the root, sliced, to two pints of water, boiled to one and one-half pints. Dose: One tablespoonful four times a day. Has been used with marked success in epilepsy and in other various nervous diseases." This is used very extensively for nervous people, and has proven very successful.
HEADACHE.—This term means a pain in the head, all over the head, or at one particular spot. It may be only a symptom of a general constitutional derangement, some disease of some other organ, a temporary inability of some organ like the stomach, liver, bowels, etc., to do work, or it may be due to some local affection depending upon some trouble with the skull and its contents. It is frequently but a symptom of some other trouble. It occurs in fevers, infectious diseases, brain disease, etc. There are different varieties depending upon the causes.
Sick Headache.
Nervous Headache.
Catarrhal Headache.
Congestive Headache.
Neuralgic or Gastric (stomach) Headache.
Bilious Headache.
"Bowel" Headache.
"Womb" Headache.
Rheumatic Headache.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 269]
CATARRHAL HEADACHE and RHEUMATIC HEADACHE may be treated together. This is due to exposure to a draught of air, walking against the sharp and keen wind, by getting the feet or other parts of the body wet, sudden suppression of perspiration about the head, or by some other exposure such as might result from cold, influenza or attack of rheumatism. There may be aching pains and a feeling of heavy weight in the forehead; tearing, stitching pains above the eyes, in the cheek bones; sometimes the skull feels as if it would fall to pieces. In the rheumatic variety the scalp is sore and tender, tearing throbbing pains or hard aching pains. There is some fever, dry skin, the pulse is faster.
Treatment.—Get into a sweat by hot drinks of lemonade and hot foot baths.
Apply cold or warmth to the head, lie down and keep quiet.
Medicine.—Aconite in doses of one-tenth of a drop to an adult every hour will frequently abort it: open the bowels with salts. Remain in bed.
NERVOUS HEADACHE.—This may occur as a sick headache or be simply a nervous headache: This occurs oftenest in a nervous person, or in persons who are run down by different causes, such as diseases, overwork, worry, trouble, etc. It is not periodic, and has no fixed type, but breaks out at indefinite intervals, and is excited by almost any special cause such as motions, mental exertions, menses, excitement, overdoing, over-visiting, want of sleep. It is often due to eye strain in persons who have poorly fitted, or who do not wear glasses. It appears in any part of the head, usually one-sided, or it may be all over the head, which feels enlarged and sometimes as if a band was around it. The least mental effort makes it worse. Sometimes there is a feeling as if a nail was being driven into the head; head is too big; eyes feel heavy and the lids droop; sees double; hard to keep eyes open. This kind of headache, or sick-headache, can be brought on suddenly by womb trouble, especially if the womb has fallen from a jar, fall, etc. The patient often moans and cries, laments and simply cannot stand thc pain. In some cases the menses cause it, and it appears at every menstrual period.
Treatment.—The patient should be quiet and remain in bed in a darkish room. Womb troubles and other diseases that cause it such as protruding piles, etc., should be attended to. Tincture gelsemium is a good remedy. Put ten drops in a glass half full of water, and take two teaspoonfuls every half hour until better. A tea made from lady's slipper is also effective in some cases, used freely. Bromide of potash in ten-grain doses one-half hour apart, for three doses, if necessary, is quieting in many attacks. Mustard plaster to back of the neck.
CONGESTIVE HEADACHE.—In this kind there is or seems to be too much blood in the head. The patient may be stupid, with a flushed face. If conscious, the brain feels as if it was rising or falling, especially upon the motion of the head. The top of the head sometimes feels as if it would fly off. The head throbs and beats violently. The hands and feet may be cold, the face flushed or pale, the eyes bright, the pulse is generally heavy, full and fast, or it may be feeble, slow and intermittent.
[270 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Treatment.—1. The patient should remain in bed in a dark room, with the head usually high. Cold should be applied to the head and heat to the hands and feet. Move the bowels with salts and, if necessary, give an enema also. It is well to give the foot-bath before going to bed. If these things do not relieve the headache a doctor should be called, for it may mean something serious. A hot mustard foot-bath and a mustard plaster applied to the nape of the neck are of great value. In severe cases an ice bag or very cold water, applied to the forehead and temples will very often give great relief.
2. Spirits of Camphor 1 ounce Spirits of Lavender 2 ounces Alcohol 2 ounces
Wet the top of the head with it.
3. Camphor 1 dram
Oil of Peppermint 1 dram
Chloroform 1-1/2 ounces
Alcohol enough for 3 ounces
Shake the bottle and apply a little of the liquid to the place. Horseback riding and walking are good for nervous girls and women.
NEURALGIC HEADACHE.—This commonly comes periodically, usually, one- sided. It may occur at the same hour for several days in succession. The pains are of all kinds. It may start in the morning or at any time. It involves more especially the eyes, side of the head, face, and goes into the teeth and neck. It comes in persons subject to neuritis in other parts or neuralgia.
Treatment.—Build up the system with tonics in the interval. Lead a quiet restful life. Acetanilid in five-grain doses frequently relieves it. This is a dangerous medicine to use, except under a doctor's supervision. Spigelia in doses of one-twelfth of a drop of the tincture is good for left-sided attacks; two doses are enough, one-half hour apart.
STOMACH OR GASTRIC HEADACHE.—This, as the name indicates, is due to some acute or chronic trouble with the stomach. It is caused by over-loading the stomach, or eating food that does not agree, such as fat meat, gravies, starchy food, warm bread, pastry, etc., or it may be due to dyspepsia. The tongue is generally coated, the mouth tastes bitter. If it is acute and the stomach is full, take a common emetic like warm water, salt water or mustard water. If it is due to decomposed food, drink lots of warm water and take an enema and also a dose of salts. If there is much gas in the stomach, take some baking soda in a glass of warm water; one drop doses of tincture of nux vomica every half hour for three hours often relieves.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 271]
HEADACHE FROM CONSTIPATION.—This is frequent. There is generally a dull, heavy feeling in the forehead, the head feels full and sometimes dizzy, the patient feels blue and morose, the tongue is coated on its back part, mouth tastes bitter, patient is drowsy and stupid and work goes hard. A free passage from the bowels relieves the headache.
Treatment.—Cure the constipation as directed in another part of the book. Take a good full enema of warm soap suds and water, and one drop of tincture of nux vomica every hour for six hours during the attack.
BILIOUS HEADACHE.—This is so-called because the bilious symptoms are the most prominent. It may be caused by violent anger, disputes, excessive eating causing congestion of the liver; abuse of spirits; some persons are of a bilious constitution and the least error in diet and habit produces such an attack. The pain may be violent or dull, the head may throb terribly; the whites of the eyes have a yellowish look, and the face may be of a dark brown hue, the patient may vomit bile. The vomiting causes more brain distress. The mouth is bitter, the tongue coated yellowish, the breath smells badly. Bowels may be irregular.
Treatment.—A free movement of the bowels often relieves. First take an enema and then one-half ounce of epsom salts. Do not eat anything but drink all the water you may wish. A tea made of blue flag is often of benefit. The diet should be regulated so as not to overload the stomach and liver and the bowels should move freely daily.
WOMB HEADACHE.—Women who suffer from womb troubles such as leucorrhea, torn cervix, falling womb displacements and diseases of the inner womb, ovaries and tubes, suffer from all kinds of headache. The pain may be in the nape of the neck, the back part of the head and on the top behind (occiput). It may come on suddenly when the womb is displaced by a sudden fall or over-lifting, etc. The woman should then go to bed and lie down with her arms crossed over her chest, with the knees drawn up and weight resting upon them and chest with the buttocks elevated, (knee-chest- position). This replaces the womb. The other troubles should be corrected or these headaches will keep on. The womb and its appendages are the cause of many kinds of headaches, neuralgias, dyspepsia, and constipation; correct the troubles and the headache will disappear.
MENSTRUAL HEADACHES.—These are very common. They may be regular every month, and they are then caused by some trouble with the womb or ovaries, or may be due to a run-down condition or heredity. It comes sometimes from suppression of the menses as a consequence of some violent emotion, fright, anger, grief, or by exposure to wet, draughts of air, privations, over-fatigue, etc. It may last for several days. The headache may be mild or severe.
Treatment.—A foot bath or sitz bath is very good, with free drinking of pennyroyal tea after the bath, and when in bed. Place warmth to the feet, moist heat over the abdomen, such as a hot water bag or fomentations. Remain quietly in bed. If constipated, take an enema. Frequently a free bowel movement gives much relief in this trouble. During the interval doctor the patient for the trouble causing the headache for which see another part of this book, "Diseases of Women."
[272 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
MOTHERS' REMEDIES, 1. Headache, Paregoric and Soda for.—"A teaspoonful of paregoric, with one-half teaspoonful of baking soda in a tumbler of water, May be taken all at once or sipped slowly."
2. Headache, Hops Good for.—"Make a strong decoction of hop tea, and take a wineglassful every half hour until relieved." This is an old tried remedy and a good one.
3. Headache, Mustard Excellent for.—"Place a mustard plaster on the back of the head, also bathe the feet in mustard water and stay in a darkened room, and avoid all excitement and noise." The one essential thing is to get the nerves quieted; take as little food as possible for twenty-four hours, giving the stomach an opportunity to rest, as most of the headaches come from a disordered stomach.
4. Headache, Peppermint Beneficial for,—"Bathe the head in strong peppermint. Then apply cloths wrung from water as hot as can be endured." Hot or cold applications are known to be very beneficial. After the cloths are taken off, the soothing effect can be further enhanced by gentle rubbing of the forehead.
5. Headache, Cold Application in Case of.—"Apply cold applications on the forehead and over the eyes." These cold applications have been known to give relief in a very few minutes to many people suffering with severe headaches. It is well to continue the treatment; even after relief has been obtained, for at least a half hour. Gentle rubbing of the head is very good, also.
6. Headache, Castor Oil Will Relieve.—"One tablespoonful of castor oil. Have used this and found relief." This remedy gives relief as the castor oil carries off the food that is distressing the stomach. It is well to take two tablespoonfuls of lime-water in a glass of milk three times a day for about a week after the castor oil has operated.
SICK HEADACHE. (Migraine. Hemicrania).—Migraine is a peculiar form of severe paroxysms of unilateral (one side) headache often associated with disorders of sight.
Causes.—It is frequently hereditary, and it has occurred through several generations. Women and members of nervous families are usually attacked. Many of the headaches from eye-strain are of this type, It is often inherited, and may last from puberty to the menopause. Some authors claim that decay of the teeth without toothache will cause it. Adenoid growths in the pharynx and particularly abnormal conditions of the nose will cause it. Many of the attacks of severe headaches in children are of this nature, and the eyes, nose and throat should be examined when children or older persons suffer from this complaint. Mental emotion, physical or mental fatigue, disorders of the female genital organs, eye-strain, etc., loud noises, toothache, act as predisposing causes. Some think it a poisonous condition due to the absorption of poisons from the stomach and intestines, and others regard it as a nervous condition due to anemia and all conditions which weaken the resistance of the nervous system.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 273]
Symptoms.—The premonitory symptoms, which may last a few hours or a day or more, are sleepy feelings of discomfort, uneasiness, weariness, chills, vertigo (dizziness), disturbance of the sight or disturbances of the senses. The real attack may follow quickly, beginning with the characteristic headache, at first one sided, located in one spot in the temple, eye or back of the head, but spreading, as it increases in severity, until it involves all of one side of the head and occasionally both sides. The pain is usually constant and of great severity and it is increased by motion, noises, light, or mental strain. The skin over the painful part is very sensitive. There are loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. If the stomach has a great deal of food in it, vomiting relieves the pain sometimes. In the spasmodic form the affected side is painful, the skin is cool, the pupil is dilated, and the flow of saliva is increased. In the paralytic form the affected side is flushed, hot, the vessels are dilated and the pupils are contracted. There is great weakness, prostration and depression. The urine may be abundant or suppressed, temporarily. The results of treatment in this disease are uncertain, as the attacks are likely to occur in spite of treatment. They usually cease in old age, and in women they may stop after the menopause. The attacks in women are likely to occur at or near the menstrual periods.
First Thing to do in Sick Headache.—It is well to remain in a darkened room away from noise, etc. If the head throbs and beats very hard, either a cold ice bag or hot applications often bring relief. A mustard plaster at the base of the brain with a hot foot-bath often helps. Some people by stroking the forehead and temples have the power to ease the pain, producing quiet and sleep. If the bowels are costive, salts should be taken to move them, or they can be moved by an enema, if salts are not at hand. If the stomach is full, or tastes sour, drink a lot of warm water and vomit, or produce vomiting by tickling your throat with your finger, after having taken a large quantity of warm water for sometimes warm water thus taken fails to cause vomiting. If there is no food in the stomach, but there is sour and bilious vomiting, the warm water will frequently help. For a sour stomach or when it is full of gas, a teaspoonful of baking soda in some hot water will often feel very pleasant and grateful. The patient should keep absolutely quiet after these are done, and often they fall into a refreshing sleep.
[274 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
EMERGENCY MEDICINES.—If anemia is the cause, give tonics such as iron and arsenic. If the patient feels faint and nauseated, a small cup of strong hot coffee gives relief, sometimes. Antipyrin, given early in doses of two and one-half grains often relieves. Take another dose in one-half hour if necessary. But such remedies are hard on the heart.
TREATMENT. Preventive in Sick Headache.—The patient is often aware of the causes that bring on an attack. Such causes should be avoided. A great many people who are afflicted with this trouble are not only careless in their eating, eating anything and everything and at all times—at meal time and between meals—but also careless in their habits of life. Patients should avoid excitement, like card parties, etc., staying up late, or reading exciting books. The meals should be regular, no food taken that is hard to digest. Pies, cakes, puddings, gravies, ham, pork, sausage, and fried foods must be avoided. Rich, greasy foods will not do for such persons to eat. Strong tea and coffee are bad. Plenty of water should be taken between meals. At meals it is better to take no water unless it is hot water. Every morning on arising it is well to drink a large quantity of either cold or hot water. This washes out the stomach, bowels and kidneys, and stimulates them to better perform their functions. The bowels must be kept regular, one or more passages a day and at a regular hour. Sometimes, especially in younger persons, the eyes are at fault and may need glasses. Frequently it is caused by overwork in school in young girls, especially during their menstrual periods. Social duties cause them in many women, and then strong tea or coffee, or headache powders, or tablets, are taken to keep up or to stop the pain, making the patient more liable to the attacks in the future; and then still more tea, coffee, and headache remedies are taken until the patient is a slave to the remedies taken to help her. A great many of these headaches can be helped by simple measures, and the time between the attacks, in about all cases, made longer if the patient will but work with the physician, not only at the time of the attack, but in the interval. The clothing should be comfortable. The feet should always be kept dry. This applies especially to neuralgia. In fact the above measures of prevention and care apply to all kinds of headaches and neuralgias. Prevention is worth more than the cure.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Sick Headache, Hop Tea Will Relieve.—"Hop tea is very good if a good strong decoction is made. A wineglassful may be taken every half hour or hour until relieved." This is very easily prepared, as the hops may be purchased at any drug store.
2. Sick Headache, a Favorite Remedy for.—"Aconite liniment or aconite rubbed on the forehead will relieve the pain in the head almost instantly. One drop of the tincture of nux vomica in a teaspoonful of water every five or ten minutes will quickly relieve." Nux vomica is good only when the headache comes from constipation and stomach trouble and too high living.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 275]
3. Sick Headache, Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia for.—"For a nervous headache there is nothing better for immediate relief than fifteen or twenty drops of the aromatic spirits of ammonia." This relieves the pain and quiets the nerves and stimulates the heart.
4. Sick Headache, Camphor Application for.—"A very simple but effective remedy is a cloth wet with spirits of camphor and sprinkled with black pepper applied to the head gives almost instant relief."
5. Headache, Soda and Peppermint for.—"One teaspoonful (level) of soda in two-thirds glass of hot water, add five or eight drops of oil of peppermint and a little sugar. Drink quite warm. This has been often tried and proven to be a success." The soda will relieve any gas in the stomach and the peppermint aids digestion and relieves sickness of the stomach.
6. Sick Headache, Lemon Good for.—"One lemon before breakfast will help to keep off sick headache. Have never found a remedy to cure sick headaches. A sack of hot salt will always help the pain." The lemon will help to tone up the stomach and the salt applied to the head will help the pain by relieving the congestion. It is always well to take a good cathartic after a spell of sick headache.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sick Headache.—
1. Antipyrine 25 grains Citrate of Caffeine 10 grains Bromide of Potash 25 grains
Mix and make into five powders. One powder as needed. (You might take second one in three hours.) This is not good when it is bilious sick headache. In fact, it would make it worse. It is good for sick headache and neuralgia due to eye or nerve strain, but then the first remedy, antipyrine, can be left out. It is not needed. I would then put twice as much of the bromide of potash, fifty grains, and take a powder every two hours until better.
2. Citrate of Caffeine 1/2 dram (30 grains)
Phenacetine 60 grains
Bicarbonate of soda 60 grains
Aromatic powder 12 grains
Mix and make twelve powders. Take one every three hours. This is good. Sometimes it is depressing on the heart for some people, due to the phenacetine. Acetanilid can be substituted in same dose.
(The homeopathic treatment is very successful in relieving spells of sick headache. See chapter on Homeopathy.)
3. Sodium Phosphate, taken every morning, about one-half to one teaspoonful in hot water. It is good for the bowels and liver.
4. Prescription for the Liver and Bowels in Sick Headache.—
Sulphate of soda 30 grains
Salicylate of soda 10 grains
Sulphate of Magnesia 1 grain
Benzoate of Lithia 5 grains
Tincture of Nux Vomica 3 minims
Distilled water 4 ounces
This mixture should be made up in large quantity and placed in a siphon by one of the concerns which charge soda water, and from one-quarter to one-half a glass of this water, at ordinary temperature, is to be taken every morning at least one-half an hour before breakfast; enough being taken to insure an adequate bowel movement during the forenoon. This ought to be a good combination to use regularly.
[276 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
5. Dr. Hare gives the following recommendations. Probably no single source of pain compares in its frequency to headache, chiefly because it is essentially a symptom of diseases or functional disturbances.
It may come from constipation or eye strain, from brain disease, anemia, uremia, too much blood in the head, etc. In many cases a mild laxative to thoroughly empty the bowels is necessary. Sometimes the urine will be deficient in solids and liquids, so that the effete and poisonous material are retained in the blood, which produce headache. For such cases if the urine is acid, the frequent use of Vichy water, to which is added a little bicarbonate of potassium, about five grains to a drink, as a diuretic will prove of great service. If the urine is alkaline (and this you can tell by using a red litmus paper which will turn blue if it is alkaline) ten grain doses of benzoate of ammonium three (3) times a day are often useful.
NERVE TUMORS (Neuroma).—A morbid increase in the tissue-elements of the peripheral (the external surface) nerves.
Varieties. True and False Nerve Tumors.—True nerve tumors (neuromata) are composed of nerve-fibres provided with a medullary (marrow) sheath or of nerve tissue; false nerve tumors are composed of other structure than nerve tissue, are usually of secondary origin, extending to the nerve from nearby structures.
Symptoms.—The true nerve tumors may be hereditary or due to wounds or blows and amputation. They may give rise to no symptoms, or may cause intermittent pain. Pressure increases this pain, when the condition of the nerve fibre is interfered with. Loss of local sensation and power may develop. It is sometimes possible to feel the little nodular growths, and they can be seen when they are superficial. They may give no pain, or they may become very sensitive. They may become chronic and they are very liable to do so. Some of them may disappear.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Nerve Tumor.—The severe forms should be cut out; others can be let alone.
NEURITIS (Inflammation of the Nerves. Neura-Nerves; Itis-Inflammation. Inflammation of the Bundles of Nerve Fibres).—Nagel describes it as "an inflammation of the nerves of an acute or chronic nature, associated with more or less degeneration, change in the nerve fibrils of the affected nerves."
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 277]
Causes.—An injury to the nerves, frequent muscular strains, exposure to cold. Inflammation can extend to the nerve from adjacent inflamed structures. Pressure can cause it. Fractures of bones cause it by compression and it is also caused by infectious diseases, such as rheumatism, typhoid fever, syphilis, etc. In some cases it simply appears without apparent cause.
When the disease process involves the nerve sheaths and connective tissue structures in particular, an interstitial neuritis results; when the disease locates itself in the nerve fibrils it gives rise to "parenchymatous neuritis" (main part of the nerve is inflamed).
Simple Neuritis.—This means that a single nerve of a group of adjacent nerve trunks is affected. If a number of nerves are affected at the same time it is called Multiple Neuritis or Polyneuritis.
Causes.—(a) Exposure to cold. This is a very frequent cause, as for example, in the facial (face) nerve. (b) Traumatism,—that is, wounds, blows, injuries caused by fractures and dislocations; pressure from tumors, sleeping with the head resting on the arms. Pressure from crutches, "crutch paralysis." (c) Diseases involving the nerves due to extension of inflammation from nearby structures, as in neuritis of the facial nerve due to decay of the temporal bone.
Symptoms.—The constitutional or general symptoms are usually slight. The pain is the most important symptom, being of a boring in the parts to which it is distributed. This pain may be very distressing, or of a stabbing character, and is usually felt in the course of the nerve; or it may cause little inconvenience. Sometimes the skin is red and swollen over the affected parts. There is impaired nerve function and as a result of this the muscles supplied by these nerves become weak, and occasionally paralyzed. In severe cases they may become atrophied and an eruption often appears along the course of the nerve. Sometimes the hair and nails are not properly nourished, causing falling out or grayness of the hair and loss of the nails. This neuritis may extend from the peripheral (external) nerves and involve the larger nerve trunks or even reach the spinal cord. This rarely occurs in neuritis from cold, or in that which follows fevers; but it occurs most frequently in neuritis caused by blows, wounds, etc., (traumatic).
Duration.—This varies from a few days to weeks or months. If the primary cause can be remedied it usually ends in full recovery. Sometimes it is followed by the chronic form.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Neuritis.—The first thing to do is to try to remove the cause. Then absolute and continued rest of the affected part. If one has a sore hand it will be rested, if possible; so it must be with the sore and inflamed nerve.
For the Attack.—After having placed the part in absolute rest, moist heat applied to it frequently brings great relief. Sometimes a mustard plaster applied along the sore part does good. This produces a counter irritation and thus draws some of the congestion from the congested, inflamed nerve. Ice is more effective in some cases than heat. The bowels should be kept open daily with salts. Build up the general health with tonics; no alcohol can be used. If it shows a tendency to become chronic, use massage, electricity or change of climate. Atrophy (shrinking) of the muscles is likely to follow if the disease continues long and for this massage and electricity must be given.
[278 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Treatment. Preventive.—A person who has once had neuritis must exercise all care to keep from taking cold or exposing themselves to severe cold winds and storms. Wet clothing will be apt to cause its return. Damp houses are bad. The climate should be dry and not changeable. There should be enough and proper kind of clothing to keep the body heat at the normal point. Plenty of rest and sleep are required. These cautions also apply to rheumatism and neuralgias.
Multiple Neuritis.—Other names: Polyneuritis, Disseminated Neuritis, Peripheral Neuritis. Meaning—Multiple neuritis is an inflammatory disease of the peripheral (toward the end of the nerves or external nerves) nervous system. It varies much in extent and intensity and affects symmetrical parts of the body.
Varieties.—These arise from differences in the nature, causes, severity and location of the disease process.
Causes.—They are many. (1.) The poison that comes from infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, diphtheria, smallpox, leprosy, la grippe, etc. (2) From poisons such as alcohol, lead, arsenic; phosphorus, mercury, coal gas, etc. (3) From anemia, cancer, tuberculosis, syphilis, septicemia, diabetes. (4) From cold, over-exertion, etc.
Symptoms.—Acute febrile multiple neuritis. A typical case: This comes on from exposure to cold, over-exertion, or in some cases spontaneously. There are chills, headaches, pains in the back, limbs and joints, and the case may be called rheumatism. Loss of appetite, coated tongue, constipation, and other symptoms of stomach and bowel trouble. The temperature rises rapidly, and may go to 103 to 104 degrees. The limbs and back ache, but intense pain in the nerves are not always constant. The pain is usually sharp, severe, and located in the limbs, and is worse from moving and pressure. There are tingling feelings in the hands, feet and body, and a feeling as if ants or insects were crawling over them, and there is also increased sensitiveness of the nerve trunks or entire limb. There is loss of muscular power, first marked, perhaps, in the legs, and it extends upwards and reaches the arms. Sometimes it first begins in the arms. In typical cases the extending muscles of the wrist and ankles drop. (Wristdrop and foot-drop). In severe cases there is a general loss of muscular power, producing a flabby paralysis. This may extend to the muscles that control speaking, swallowing and hearing resulting in impairment of these functions. The muscles soften and waste away rapidly. Disorders of nutrition are frequent, like watery swelling (oedema), glossy looking skin, sweating, hives, etc.
[NERVOUS SYSTEM 279]
Recovery.—The course of the disease varies considerably. In mild cases the symptoms disappear very soon. In the worst form the patient may die in a week or ten days. As a rule, in moderately severe cases after persisting for five or six weeks, the condition remains about the same for a few months, and then improvement slowly begins and recovery takes place in six to twelve months. In neuritis from alcohol drinking there is a rapid onset as a rule, with delirium and delusions. The result is usually favorable and after persisting for weeks or months improvement gradually begins, the muscles regain their power, and even in the most desperate cases recovery may follow. The mental symptoms are very severe in alcoholic cases. Delirium is common. It takes much longer for such cases to regain what they call their normal condition.
Neuritis following diphtheria and other infectious diseases. The outlook in cases from these diseases is usually favorable, and except in diphtheria, fatal cases are uncommon. It is most common from diphtheria. Recovery, in neuritis from diphtheria, takes place in about three months, but some cases are fatal.
Neuritis from lead.—The first symptoms are those of intestinal colic, lead line on the gums, "dropped-wrist." The recovery is quite gradual and the poison may be cast out in three to four months.
In Neuritis from Arsenic.—We have disturbance of the stomach and bowels first, then the legs and arms are about equally affected, weakened; may recover in two to six months.
Treatment for acute kind.—The first thing to do is to rest in bed and control the pain and acute symptoms. Hot applications help to relieve the suffering. Patient must be kept comfortably and constantly warm and quiet. Hot applications of lead water and laudanum.
Medicines.—It may be necessary to use morphine to control the pain. Remedies such as antipyrine or aspirin are often used. A physician must be called. When the disease is caused by arsenic and lead and alcohol, of course you must remove the cause before you can hope for any improvement.
Caution.—Any one can readily understand from reading this description that the thing to do is to be careful not to needlessly expose yourself to taking cold. One subject to rheumatism or neuritis, even in small degree, should take care not only not to take cold but not to overdo in laboring; cold, wet and over-exertion cause the majority of the acute attacks. But some are caused by diseases, such as diphtheria, typhoid fever, etc., and a great many cases of neuritis following these and other infectious diseases can be avoided if proper care is taken during and after these diseases. Such care can easily be taken. Keep your rooms warm and comfortable, and the patient in bed or in a comfortable room until all danger is past. How often I have heard a doctor blamed for such results when in most cases it is the patient's or nurse's fault. Certain results will follow certain diseases and only proper care can keep such results from following. Dropsy frequently follows even a light case of scarlet fever. Why? Simply because, on account of being a light case, the child is left to roam at will about the rooms and catches cold, takes la grippe. If people would only take care of themselves this disease would not leave so many lifelong victims. I have seen men and women who have just recovered from this disease stand on the street corners on a cold, damp day, and talk an hour, and the next day they wondered how they could possibly have taken cold. We cannot disobey the laws of nature safely. Persons who are subject to neuritis or rheumatism should be especially careful on cold, damp, wet days and of over-exertion.