Case VI. Hysteria, with Epileptiform Attacks in Childhood—Various Ailments for Thirteen Years—Operation—No Benefit.
H. D., æt. 23 single; admitted into the London Surgical Home April, 1862.
History.—When very young, until ten years of age, had frequent fits. Improved in health till she was fourteen years of age, when she began to suffer from abdominal enlargement. First menstruated at nineteen. Is constantly sick after meals. Has been in nearly every hospital in London. The patient is very hysterical, and is always talking religion.
On examination the abdomen was found very tympanitic. Under chloroform this state quite subsided. Walls of abdomen fat and muscular. Body generally well nourished. Evidence of continual irritation of the pudic nerve.
April 3. Operation as usual.
For some time after the operation this patient was much better of the sickness, and great interest was manifested by several visitors in her case; she never, however, received permanent benefit, being a regular impostor, and discovered on several occasions tying handkerchiefs, &c., tightly round her waist to make her abdomen swell. She was discharged as incurable.
Remarks.—This case I have inserted as a warning. It is no fault of the operation if it fail in such cases.
Case VII. Hysteria—Several Years’ Illness—Operation—Cure.
Miss M., æt. 42; admitted into the London Surgical Home April 13, 1862.
History.—Has felt ailing for many years, but for the last two has suffered pain in the uterine region, and, on pressure, over the ovaries. This pain is accompanied by bearing down, and a sense of distension. Suffers from considerable leucorrhœa. Menstruation regular, and during the period the pain is absent. Bowels regular. Sleep disturbed. Feels depressed, and is inclined to melancholia.