Shell-shock and burial; labyrinthine disease on one side: DEAFMUTISM. Cures, relapses and eventual cure by general anesthesia, more than four months after shock.
Case 552. (Dawson, February, 1916.)
A private, 30, had been 12 years in the service. July 8, 1915, he was partially buried by a shell which killed two companions.
On admission to hospital he spoke a few sentences but was deaf, and next morning could neither speak nor read, nor did he take food for 36 hours thereafter.
Admitted to the King George Hospital, July 18, he was found stuporous, but started violently if touched, made signs indicating his wants, took no interest in surroundings, and resisted efforts to arouse him. He was without signs of organic disease. It seems that he had been a nervous child, with nightmares and fits.
July 24, he was given gas for dental extraction, partly in the hope that he would recover speech; but though he struggled violently, he made no sound. He had by this time become rather intelligent in a childlike manner, being pleased to see his small boy, but taking no notice of his wife. It transpired afterward that he did not recognize her.
Phonation in whisper now began. There was then a relapse, and for a week or more no food was taken. Such relapses with irritation and hypobulia and an obstinate constipation recurred; but improvement came on slowly. He became able to read short printed words, and later handwriting.
For another month there was no improvement and he lost heart and the will to get well, brightening up only when offered a motor drive or something else pleasant. He was transferred to an auxiliary hospital, against his will, September 18.
November 1, he was brought back to the King George Hospital, excited, shouting, struggling and evidently drunk. On a day’s leave from the convalescent hospital he had come up to London, and in alcoholic elation began to laugh and talk. Morphia did not reduce his violence. He insisted on seeing the physician, to tell him the good news. Hearing was still diminished, though if attention were diverted, direct answers were given to some questions. Sleep followed.