In the great majority of cases, when nervous prostration has made its appearance at intervals, with periods of prolonged good health intervening, but in which, as a rule, slight excesses, over-exertion or the attacks of some acute disease, produces a nervous exhaustion, we have found that local derangement is the cause of the whole trouble. This cause may often be readily removed and a perfect and permanent restoration of the health will follow.
In Men, we have often found a varicocele to be the cause of nervous prostration. In others rupture, or urethral stricture, sometimes of a character so mild as hardly to give serious inconvenience, has been the cause.
In Women,, ulceration of the uterus, stricture of the cervix, congestion or other diseases of the ovaries, such as cysts, abscesses, etc., inflammation of the Fallopian tubes, characterized with more or less periodical discomfort and attacks of leucorrhea, or "whites," are common causes.
In all cases in which the nervous disease depends upon local causes, we find that the relief of the local source of irritation, which tends to reduce the general health and interfere with perfect nervous tone, is all that is necessary to give the invalid a perfect restoration to health, vigor and activity. It is like removing the burden from a tired horse who has fallen prostrate under an excessive load. The removal of the burden puts the individual under a favorable condition for the immediate restoration to health and strength, and permanent relief is only a matter of a few days' or weeks' time, with appropriate nourishment and restorative nerve tonics.
ALCOHOL, OPIUM AND TOBACCO
affect different individuals according to their several susceptibilities. Some are able to withstand, with apparent impunity, an amount of these that can not be tolerated by others without great injury. No one, however, is wholly proof against these unwholesome agents which are in such common use. The sad results of their excessive use are seen in thousands of cases of shattered nerves and wasted vigor. The excessive use of tea and coffee is also a prolific cause of nervous affections.
Happily, we have now at our command remedies which exercise a most potent controlling influence over the acquired, morbid appetite for these narcotics and stimulants. Of course we have to depend, to some extent, upon the will power of the patient, but where this is not wholly lost, we have in all our later experience, been able to realize a degree of success which has been alike gratifying to both physician and patient.
THE INVALIDS' HOTEL AND SURGICAL INSTITUTE SPECIALLY EQUIPPED FOR THE CURE OF NERVOUS AFFECTIONS.
Private institutions, well supplied with the numerous and costly aids to the work of the specialist treating nervous diseases, are now a recognized necessity. Physicians and sufferers alike appreciate this fact.
Public hospitals do not answer this purpose, owing to the fact that they are more especially intended for the alleviation of the sufferings of the poor, and the greater part of the work done is in affording relief from acute diseases and emergencies requiring surgical aid. Attention is thus detracted from delicate nervous affections and is almost wholly engrossed in caring for sufferers from other diseases and injuries. Besides, association with the charity cases that abound in such places and the evidences of suffering present on every hand, are enough to prevent all improvement in sensitive and sympathetic invalids.