I heard of this lady later in the year; she was still quite well. Not having heard since from her, as was agreed when she left me, I am satisfied that she has had no relapse.
Case XXXVI. Epileptic Fits—Many Years’ Duration—Operation—Cure.
N. L. M., æt. 21; admitted into the London Surgical Home May 9, 1863.
History.—Married four years and had two children; the labours have been bad, and followed by severe hæmorrhage. Had aborted at six weeks, a fortnight previous to admission, and had lost a large quantity of blood. First suffered from epileptic fits at puberty; had several before marriage, and has had four or five since marriage; but has never had a fit when pregnant. Not very regular in menstruation, which is accompanied with severe pain. Has constant pain on right side of head, in back, loins, &c. Great pain in micturating and on defecation. She is always totally unconscious during the fits, and they are followed by extreme prostration. Is of melancholy aspect, excessively anæmic, and somewhat chlorotic; even the mucous membranes (of mouth especially) are blanched. The cause of her fits being diagnosed, the usual operation was performed May 14.
May 18. Progressing excellently.
May 20. There was great irritability of the bladder, which, however, was immediately relieved by an alkaline and henbane mixture.
May 31. Has not had any return of her bad symptoms until to-day, when, on being removed to a strange ward, she had a fit, not of violent character, and followed by a heavy drowsiness.
June 2. Is quite herself again.
July 4. Has left quite well in every respect, and when heard of many months later remained well.
Remarks.—The fit following on change of this patient from one ward to another where there were strangers, shows how important it is for a permanent cure, that visitors and relatives should not be allowed to excite and agitate a patient suffering from these attacks after an operation is performed, and when the mind is hardly restored to its natural balance.