My practice is, when the spasm is on, to treat the parts in cramp by momentary touches rapidly repeated, with the P. P. of the B D or A D current, good medium force, placing N. P. at the back of neck, if the disturbance be in an arm; or at the coccyx, if it be in a leg or in the abdomen or chest.
In treating parts subject to cramp while the spasm is not on, give them, along with other parts of the system, general tonic treatment, as directed on page [95]. This elevates and equalizes the electro-vital action, and relieves the difficulty.
TRISMUS. (Lockjaw.)
For traumatic trismus, use the B D current, of vigorous force. Let the wound be kept open and clear, except that soothing emollients may be applied. Place N. P. at the coccyx, or near it on the spine; and then treat, by firm but momentary touches of the P. P., over the lower maxillary—pterygoid—muscles and nerves; indeed, over the entire lower jaw and its articulations. Treat five to ten minutes, if necessary, or until the jaws relax.
TETANUS.
This is substantially the same thing as trismus, except that it extends to other parts, and often to nearly all the muscles of the organism. Under ordinary treatment, it is almost invariably fatal. I am not aware that it has been sufficiently submitted to our electrical system to determine satisfactorily the question of its amenability to it. Yet I see no reason to doubt that, in the most of cases, when taken within reasonable time, it may be cured.
Use the B D current, in pretty strong force. Place the N. P., long cord, at the feet, and treat with P. P. from the medulla oblongata, or from the upper cervical vertebra, all along down the spine, for several minutes—say, three to five minutes. Then pass with P. P. over the whole trunk and limbs. Continue to treat until relaxation takes place, or all hope of relief departs.
CANCERS.
Cancers take on a variety of forms, distinguished by different names; but since they all require substantially the same electrical treatment, it is unnecessary here to describe them.
Begin with the A B current in pretty full volume. [The volume of the current is increased by increasing the quantity of battery fluid.] Use this for several weeks, and then change to the A D current. Treat daily. The time for each treatment must be determined by the judgment of the practitioner; varying it according to the peculiar character and location of the disease.