He had a few relics of physiomotor disorder when he left, including the abnormal delicacy of skin and muscular over-excitability above mentioned. On the basis of this and similar cases Ferrand believes that, although the physiopathic group of Babinski exists, it does not signify a separate clinical syndrome and the occurrence of physiopathic symptoms does not contraindicate psychotherapy.
Re this controversy, see remarks under [Case 530].
Shell-shock: Paraparesis. Cure by electricity.
Case 568. (Turrell, January, 1915.)
Turrell, in a paper on electrotherapy at a base hospital, narrates a case of spinal concussion which rapidly yielded to the persuasive influence of Bergonié’s machine for electrically provoked exercises. Turrell grants that such a rapid cure would probably be attributed to suggestion, but thinks that the term demonstration might be preferred on account of the vigor and amplitude of the muscular contractions excited.
This soldier was driving an ammunition wagon at the front, when a shell exploded under the wagon, killing one horse and severely wounding the other. The patient himself was blown into the air, fell, dragged himself to a trench where he lay all night, and found himself in the morning unable to walk or stand. He recalls that pins were stuck into his legs by the examining medical officer and that they produced no sensation. When he was finally brought to the Third Southern Medical Hospital, he was unable to draw up or move his legs, or to stand up (yet neurologically normal).
After a few days’ rest in bed, he found himself able to walk a few steps with assistance, and was then transferred to the Radcliffe Infirmary for electrical treatment. This treatment consisted in electrically provoked exercises to the back (positive) and seat and thighs (negative). He was able to walk back to his ward, leaning on a wheelchair. Next day he walked to the electrical department with sticks, and after the exercises were repeated, he was found able to walk without assistance. On the third day, the Morton wave current was applied to the back, to clear up any persistent stiffness. The patient was then discharged on sick furlough.
Re the Morton wave and similar applications of electricity, Zeehandelaar speaks of a high frequency hall fitted up at Berlin. Touching the walls of the hall with the finger elicited a powerful spark. The scheme appeared to be on a commercial basis, and it was proposed to start similar institutions for poor metabolism and neuroses in other cities.