[264 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
PHYSICIANS' GENERAL TREATMENT for Neuralgia.—Remove the cause if possible. If from anemia, give tonics for that and try to cure that disease. Tonics with good nourishing food, and proper surroundings are needed for anemia. In malaria, syphilitic or gouty patients, constitutional treatment must be given for those diseases before the neuralgia will be better. The systematic use of galvanic electricity, properly used, is the most valuable means at the physician's disposal, especially in the descending current, beginning with the mild current and gradually increasing in strength. Internally: Arsenic, bromine, ergotinc, aconite, gelsemium, valerian, ether, cannabis indica and quinine are recommended. Opium may be used in the very severe forms, but it must be used with caution, or you will make your patient a drug fiend, and his latter state will be worse than the first condition. Wet compresses, vapor baths, cold affusions, wet cloths, are highly recommended.
1. For the Cure of an Attack—
Antipyrine 30 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 20 grains
Make into ten powders. Take one everyone-half hour until 3 doses are taken. Three (3) doses at least should relieve the neuralgia.
2. Antipyrine 30 to 60 grams
Bromide of Potash 3 drams
Mix: and make into ten powders; one every thirty minutes until relieved or until six doses have been taken; this is better than the first prescription when there is much nervousness with the neuralgia or neuralgic headaches.
3. If caffeine in first prescription causes nervousness, give this one:
Antipyrine 30 to 60 grains
Citrate of Caffeine 10 grains
Bromide of Potash 3 drams
Mix and make ten powders. Take one every half hour until relieved or until six doses have been used.