Case 479. (Nonne, December, 1915.)
After heavy shelling a soldier fell for two days into a clouded state from which he waked with complete paraplegia of the lower extremities, and total anesthesia from the pelvis downward (reflexes and electric excitability normal).
On the third day after his reception in Nonne’s wards, he was about to be hypnotized when news came that he had been promoted to a lieutenantcy and had received the Iron Cross. He fell forthwith into hysterical convulsions, in the midst of which the hitherto paralyzed legs worked perfectly well! Even after the hysterical attack was over, the man could still move his legs in bed normally, but had absolute astasia-abasia. Next day, with deep hypnosis, markedly improved. After eight more days of hypnosis the new lieutenant got back his normal gait.
Shell-shock, burial: Mutism. Cure by getting drunk.
Case 480. (Proctor, October, 1915.)
A patient, 25, nine years in the service, was buried in a dugout by an explosive shell at Ypres, June 17, was taken out unconscious, and eventually reached the hospital at Versailles. Consciousness had returned a few days after the injury. There was ringing in the ears, difficulty in hearing, and inability to speak. He arrived at the Duchess of Connaught’s Hospital at Taplow, July 12, when, aside from the above-mentioned symptoms and a rapid heart action (108 at rest), he seemed perfectly well. About August 14, he began occasionally to refuse solid nourishment and remained in bed, eyelids closed but twitching at times, especially when spoken to. He resisted having his eyelids opened.
August 27, he was allowed to go to the village with companions, and got drunk, found his voice, for two days talked and sang incessantly. Discharged September 9, cured.
Shell-shock and burial: Mutism. Cure by work in a vineyard with wine to drink.