Headache: the Nervous and the Plethoric kinds—Stye in the Eye—Salivation—Hemorrhage from the Stomach—Cramp of the Stomach—Toothache—Jaundice.
Headache is one of the most common of all the disorders of pregnancy. It may occur at any part of the period; in the early months, it is supposed that nervous headache is most apt to occur; in the latter, headache arises more frequently from plethora. In such cases there may be throbbing of the temples, suffusion of the eyes, ringing in the ears, indistinct vision, and flashes of light passing before the eyes. If the headache gets to be very severe—splitting, as we may say—there is danger of either apoplexy or puerperal convulsions. But these things, be it remembered, do not come upon those who live moderately and temperately, lead an active, industrious, and regular life, go often into the open air, and practice daily ablutions.
That form of headache in pregnancy which occurs often, and is not a sick or nervous headache, so-called, is regarded by authors generally as being a very serious affair.
Treatment.—Dr. Maunsel says of the nervous form of this disease: “This, especially if it take the form of hemicrania (that in which the pain is confined to one half of the head), is one of the most unmanageable of all the diseases of pregnancy.”
According to the old practice, prompt and decided measures must be taken in these cases, especially if the affection is of that form arising from a general fullness of the system.
“If the state of the system indicates bleeding,” says Dr. Maunsel, “it will commonly do good; local should be preferred to general bleeding. If bleeding is not indicated, we should at first attend to the secretions; when these are corrected, antispasmodics and anodynes come in well. Hyosciamus and camphor, a grain of each, is a good remedy; also the volatile tincture of valerian. The external application of some anodyne extract, as stramonium, belladonna, or cicuta, may be tried, but with caution, lest they produce the poisonous effects of the drug.”
Dr. Churchill remarks: “These nervous headaches may usually be relieved by antispasmodic medicines, or diffusible stimuli, such as valerian, hartshorn, etc.
“Eau de Cologne applied to the forehead, or a blister behind the ears, is often useful.
“A brisk purgative should also be given occasionally.
“A much more active treatment will be necessary when there are any symptoms of plethora, or vascular excitement about the head, both for the relief of the pain and for the purpose of anticipating evil consequences. Blood should be taken from the arm, in quantity according to the strength of the patient and the relief afforded; and this should be repeated, or leeches applied to the temples, if necessary. We are not to rest satisfied that enough has been done until the pain is relieved, and the arterial system reduced to the ordinary standard.